The Birmingham Unified Varsity Figure Skating team is feeling the loss of last year’s seniors.
“We lost a lot of really good jumpers,” said sophomore Kaitlyn Krizanic. “We’re doing a little worse jumping-wise.”
The team got off to a mediocre start in their first competition, with the “A” team placing sixth overall, the “B” team placing eighth overall, and the “C” team placing third overall.
However, Krizanic insists that this was to be expected.
“Overall for the first competition, it was good,” said Krizanic. “For the majority of the team being freshman, they did really well.”
Junior Andriana Vetor said that the competition was a good learning experience for the team.
“I think we’ll do better now, knowing what our strengths and weaknesses are,” said Vetor.
Coach Sarah Feldt says that one important thing that many of the girls were lacking was confidence.
“We need to work on just getting everybody to make sure they’re getting confident,” said Felt.
Though the team’s overall placements were not Birmingham Varsity Skating Looks to Rebuild ideal, a number of skaters earned medals. Freshman Alexandra Aldridge, Junior Kyra Hauck, Krizanic and Vetor received silver medals for a 2nd place finish in the “Moves in the Field” category for ‘A’ team, and Freshmen Sophia Fabiunke, Annie Linden, Abbi Walker, Molly Matice, Sommer Shefferly received bronze medals for their 3rd place ‘C’ team finish.
Vetor agreed that the loss of the last year’s graduates has been difficult for them.
“[They] were definitely very strong proponents on our team,” said Vetor.
Still, the team is determined to improve.
Feldt said that she will be changing things around.
“We’re going to…mix up who’s doing what,” said Feldt.
The next competition will be held at the Detroit Skating Club, and Vetor believes that this will be an advantage.
“Hopefully we will [do well], since it’s at DSC,” said Vetor.
Krizanic also believes the upcoming competition will turn out better for the team.
“The freshmen know what to expect next time, so it won’t be as much of a shock,” said Krizanic.
She stressed that with the amount of practice that they have, the team will definitely improve.
“Practice makes perfect,” said Krizanic.
The girls’ next competition will take place on Wednesday, January 7th at 4:00 p.m at the Detroit Skating Club.
