Spins, smiles, and Salchows took over Bronco Arena last weekend as the International Falls Figure Skating Club wrapped up its season with the 36th annual ice show.
The show, “Our Town,” featured 105 skaters from different group levels, ranging from the wobbly Snowplow Sam youngsters to the experienced senior skaters, some who have been a part of the show for 16 years. Performances feature skills the skaters learn and perfect throughout the season.
During the past four weeks, long hours of practice involved coaches, parents, and skaters to make the ice show possible.
Board members of the IFFSC in the show’s program wrote: “To the coaches, we thank you for your commitment and dedication by making the show and this year the best it could be. To the parents of skaters, we thank you for your support and willingness to get your skater to practice at all hours of the day. To the skaters, we thank you for all your hard work, not only on the ice, but behind the scenes. Watching you perform with such joy reminds us of why we do what we do. We are proud of you.”
Karina McLellan, publicist for the club said, “I think the show was excellent and the skaters worked extremely hard over the season to showcase their talent and did a wonderful job.”
She added that skaters can look forward to a week of summer skating July 25-29.
Included in the performances were the Blade Brigade synchronized skating teams. Blade Brigade II placed first in a field of six teams Feb. 13 in the Red River Valley International Classic Figure Skating Competition in Fargo/Moorhead.
This year, the club recognized two graduating seniors, Alicia Hendrickson and Paige Herzig.
Hendrickson, who has spent 16 years in the club, said in the show’s program, “I started competing when I was 4, so I have had a lot of fun times, as well as much success over the years.”
Hendrickson said her favorite skating memory was becoming a senior skater the summer after second grade.
“I was so excited to be skating with all of the older skaters who I had looked up to and admired, but at the same time, it was a bit scary being out there with such powerful skaters all around you,” she wrote.
Herzig wrote she was celebrating her 15th ice show.
“I have had many good memories over the years with my fellow skaters. My favorite memory would have to be my first year in Synchro when we were ‘Jailbirds.’ I was so proud of that routine and happy I was pushed so hard to be a part of something so amazing,” she said in the program.
Another part of the IFFSC’s tradition are annual awards. The awards were distributed following Sunday’s performance. The most improved skater award is given to a skater from each level as selected by their coaches based on their progress and success throughout the season. The E. F. Krienke Memorial Trophy, presented by coach Darlyss Krienke in memory of her father, is limited to skaters who have been part of the senior program for at least three years and who are dedicated to the sport of figure skating. The Krystall Memorial is an artistic creativity trophy in memory of Krystall Gustafson. The Kim Hams Sportsmanship Trophy is a traveling trophy presented to a junior skater who excels in sportsmanship. The Most Congenial Skater award is given to a skater who is selected by his/her fellow skaters for having a considerate and helpful nature. Coach Shelley Douglas donates the Most Dedicated Skater Trophy to a skater or skaters who have shown dedication to the sport throughout the season.
International Falls Figure Skating Club 2011 award recipients
Most Improved Skater:
Snowplow Sam: Sarah Washburn
Basic 1-4: Aurora Hutton
Basic 5-8: Danielle Erickson
Junior: Destiny Erickson
Senior: Emma Johnson
E. F. Krienke Memorial Trophy: Paige Herzig
Krystall Memorial: Jamie Sjoblom
Kim Hams Sportsmanship Trophy: Brittany Foss
Most Congenial Skater: Kelsey Eibler
Most Dedicated Skater Trophy: Paige Christianson
