UD Collegiate Figure Skating Team wins national championship

11:32 a.m., April 22, 2013--The University of Delaware Collegiate Figure Skating Team (UDCFST) took first place at the U.S. Intercollegiate Figure Skating National Championships held April 13-14 at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., marking the second time in three years that the team has earned the national title.

“Words cannot describe how special this moment is for the team. We could not have won this championship without the hard work and support from each and every team member, our fantastic head coach, Joel McKeever, and all of our parents, family members, and friends,” said the team president, Julianne DiMura. “This weekend was filled with great skating and fierce competition, and we are just so proud to be crowned the 2013 intercollegiate national champions.”

UDCFST scored 98 points, while defending champion Dartmouth College finished second with 93 points and Boston University third with 84 points.

Since the beginning of the season, the team had been training long, strenuous hours to achieve the goal of becoming national champions, and finally that became a reality.

“We never wait for the right moment, and we are constantly preparing for every possibility. Even when the season is over, we are recruiting new skaters and strategizing for next year to continue the team’s success,” McKeever said. “Every year our biggest strength is we never give anything away. This team is unshakable, assertive, and always maintains confidence.”

Nine college teams competed in the two-day event. The competition was intensely fierce and Delaware ended the first day down 30 points to Dartmouth. However, after an uplifting speech by DiMura, the team rallied on Sunday to regain the title of championship.

Hannah Kimberly, freshman skater said, “Throughout the whole season, the team has created a close bond and, as a freshman, having such a close and supportive team was really important for my first nationals experience. When I decided to join the team at the beginning of the year, I gained a second family and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so grateful to be part of such a talented, friendly, and supportive team.”

Although the competitive season is over, the team has several events to look forward to, including a semi-formal banquet that will celebrate the success of the team, while also commemorating the seniors. The team has already begun planning for next year, and is enthusiastic about the new freshman that will join the team in fall 2013.

"The figure skating team is our home away from home. We are all each other's biggest supporters, and winning together is what makes this such a memorable achievement,” said the team’s vice president, Megan Marschall.

UDCFST will return to compete next fall to defend the title.

The intercollegiate nationals medal winners include the following:

Clara Sherman, 3rd, Intermediate Short; 3rd, Intermediate Long
Beth Kalbach, 3rd, Novice Short; 3rd, Novice Long
Megan Marschall, 1st, Novice Short; 1st, Junior Dance; 2nd, Junior Long
Jonathan Jerothe, 5th, Junior Men’s Short; 5th, Junior Men’s Championship
Julianne DiMura, 5th, Junior Ladies Short; 3rd, Junior Championship; 3rd, Gold Dance; 2nd, International Dance
Christie Kievit, 4th, Junior Ladies Short; 4th, Junior Championship
Kyle Herring, 2nd, Senior Men’s Short; 4th, Junior Men’s Championship; 2nd, Gold Dance; 1st, International Dance
Dana Sivak, 3rd, Senior Short; 1st, Senior Championship
Shaun Schaeffer, 2nd, Juvenile Men
Bryan Schaeffer, 3rd, Juvenile Men
Allanah Barbour, 1st, Junior Long
Brogan Kavanagh, 2nd, Senior Long
Medium Team, 1st
High Team, 3rd