Figure skating team caps off season with 2nd-place finish at nationals

The IU Figure Skating Club rounded out a triumphant season at the 2008 Intercollegiate National Figure Skating Championships, capturing eight first-place titles and finishing second overall in the competition. \nThe Championships were held April 5-6 in Chelsea, Mich., and IU was outdone only by five-time consecutive champion Dartmouth, finishing second. After placing fourth the last two years, IU implemented certain strategies to improve during the off-season.\n“In between seasons, we got some great new members,” senior Beth Dorr said. “We were better putting people in their respected events. We learned to improve on our strategies and applied those towards our earlier competitions.” \nNationals marked the culmination of a superb season. IU placed first overall in both competitions in which it participated earlier this season: the Bronco Challenge Cup in Kalamazoo, Mich., and the Hoosier Challenge in Columbus, Ind. \n“We knew we had a good shot at medaling going in,” said junior Lizzie Millis, the club’s president. “We went in ranked first last year and took fourth. Our goal was top three.” \nTeams from across the country traveled to Chelsea for the national championship, and the Hoosiers were ranked No. 1 in the Midwest region coming in. During the competition, skaters each competed in their events and earned points toward the team’s overall total. Five points were awarded for first place, four for second and so on. \nAt the end of the competition, IU faced other competitors and performed in various events before the final points were tallied. After this and some quick mental tallying, IU knew it would medal. \n“It put everyone at ease,” junior Krystina Neuman said, “We knew we could better \nourselves and skated our best.” \nMany other teams were rooting for the young Hoosier team to rank among the elite, and IU didn’t disappoint. Out of the 10 teams that competed, Dartmouth earned 91 points and IU raked in 75, edging out Deleware, which tallied 73. IU received a team plaque and silver medals at the end of the competition. \n“It was probably the best feeling ever,” said Dorr, who was competing in her final competition. “It was a great season, and to finish it like this, we couldn’t imagine it any other way.” \nBut the team already has high aspirations for next \nseason.\n“We will overthrow Dartmouth next year,” Millis said.