8:29 a.m., April 16, 2009----The University of Delaware Collegiate Figure Skating Club team has experienced quite a remarkable season and is hoping to keep up the momentum as they compete Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, at the 2009 U.S. Intercollegiate Figure Skating Team Championships at the Honnen Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo.

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After a first place at Cornell University last fall and two second place finishes this spring, the team members are confident and excited about their chances at the national competition.

The team has put in extra effort into their already intense practices and has re-strategized in order to compete at the best of their abilities. Their focus has been on building each skater's stamina, and preparing for the environment in which they will be competing.

“Since we are competing in Colorado, we will be dealing with a higher altitude, which means that we needed to train extra hard to assure that this factor does not get in our way while we are there,” said Kandis Kovalsky, vice president of the UD figure skating team.

Nationals, as can be imagined, are much more demanding than the regional competitions in which the team has competed thus far. The team has focused on preparing every skater's body, mind and soul, which Kovalsky said is the key to feeling confident and competing well.

“Getting in shape on the ice is very important; however, your frame of mind is equally is important. If you allow your head to get away from you and your nerves to take over at a competition, then all of the training in the world won't do you any good,” said Kovalsky. “It is important to keep things in perspective and to have fun while you are out there competing.”

The UD team has had a great ride so far and has remembered to keep it fun and enjoyable since skating is what each and every club member loves to do.

Nationals present another opportunity for the team to gain the recognition it deserves and what they have been working extremely hard to obtain, Kovalsky said.

Kovalsky has high spirits and high hopes for this weekend. "I feel as though the team has really come together these last few weeks and that we are peaking at exactly the right time,” she said. “We will definitely be bringing 'it' to Colorado this weekend."

Colorado College is hosting the annual competition, which is now in its ninth year. Nine teams are competing in nationals. In addition to UD, the teams are from Dartmouth College, Boston University, Miami University of Ohio, Indiana University, Michigan State University, the University of Colorado, the University of Denver and Northlake Community College.

Article by Blair Lee