Carolinas Figure Skating Club Catches Nationals Fever
by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online.jpg) |
The club is the home teaching base of Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie, who also holds the title of "Honorary Chairperson" for the upcoming 2011 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Jan. 22-30 in Greensboro, which is a little over an hour and a half from Indian Trail.
Hosting this event in its home state--and having a high-profile member of its club play such an integral role in its marketing and promotion--has created quite a stir at the Carolinas FSC.
"Having Paul Wylie as part of our club has been inspirational to so many of our members," said club president Jen Hoctor. "He brings such a passion and love for the sport of figure skating to the rink. It is contagious. Watching him work, skate and teach really lifts everyone on the ice to a new level. Having nationals close to home this year has been very exciting for our skaters."
When sweepers' auditions were held in Hillsborough, N.C., more than 100 girls tried out; of those, 40 were selected. Nine of the 40 call the Carolinas FSC home, including 10-year-old Caitlyn Kent.
"I was honored to be chosen to be a sweeper for nationals," said Caitlyn, whose 8-year-old sister, Madilyn, will perform in the opening ceremonies. "There were 140 girls across North and South Carolina who tried out. I am very excited to see my favorite skaters up close and personal and to skate on the same ice. What a great experience."
Seventeen members of the Carolinas FSC will skate in the opening ceremonies at the Greensboro Coliseum, and many already have stories to tell.
"It is very exciting for me to be in the opening ceremonies, because my coach is the honorary chairperson," 8-year-old Kyra Hoctor said. "Learning the program with so many skaters has been a lot of fun. I have met many skaters from other rinks in North Carolina at the rehearsals in the coliseum. Having my coach, Mr. Paul, as part of the opening ceremonies makes it even more fun and special."
For 16-year-old club member Katie Irvine, the event is a double celebration. Not only will she be part of the opening ceremonies, but she also was selected as an awards presenter for the senior men's event.
"I am so excited to be an awards presenter; the reality hasn't really set in yet," Irvine said. "Words can't express how elated and thankful I am to be a part of the opening ceremonies and awards presentation."
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"The rehearsals have been a learning experience for all of us," Irvine said, "Especially since most of us are not used to skating in a large group, let alone skating in sync. Through all the hours spent together, we have grown closer as a club, with many new friendships."
Irvine vividly remembers the first rehearsal.
"For all of us, it was a moment we will always remember. Being able to actually skate in the coliseum, where our idols will be competing, was surreal," she said. "As I walked into the arena, I thought to myself, 'Wow, this is really happening.'"
For Kalyn McIntyre, the entire experience will be bittersweet. At 18, this will be her last year as an eligible skater for opening ceremonies.
"I've loved skating since I was 7 years old but didn't get a chance to take lessons until I was 14," McIntyre said. "I'm also excited that North Carolina is hosting. The committee has done a fantastic job preparing for this, and now people from other states can see why we love North Carolina."
Jen Hoctor truly believes the event will bring out the national competitor in each of the club's skaters.
She said, "Having nationals so close to home this year has been very exciting for our skaters. For many of them, making it to nationals is something they dream about. Being able to participate in such a way as a sweeper or in opening ceremonies makes them feel like they are part of the excitement. Our club is so pleased to have this opportunity for our members to participate. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us."
