Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Section: Midwestern
Coaches: Leslie Graham & Andrea Kaifesh
Roster: Margret Anderson, Becky Billings, Amelia Cegielski, Ashtynn Edenhofer, Jori Erlander, Katie Galus, Alaina Glabinski, Jordan Kurry, Laura Mapes, Amy Signer, Charlotte Steele, Maria Tannah, Madeline Weiland, Leah Winn, Chelsea Wipfler, Katring Wright, Amy Yuengert
Competitions: Kalamazoo Synchronized Skating Kick-Off Classic, Mid-America Synchronized Skating Championships, Midwestern & Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships, Dr. Richard Porter Synchronized Skating Classic
History: Created in 1995, synchronized skating at Western Michigan University has a rich tradition of excellence. The team has grown from one team of only twelve skaters into two teams with a combined roster of over thirty. The senior team continues to thrive from year to year. WMU competed in its first international competition in 2003, representing US Figure Skating at the North American International Synchronized Skating Competition. In 2009, the senior team represented Team USA finishing in first place at the Jégvirág Cup in Miskolc, Hungary. in 2010, the senior team competed as a part of Team USA at the Spring Cup in Milan, Italy finishing sixth place overall. The WMU Synchronized Skating team is in its seventh year as a club sport and is a fully student run organization. The teams continue to see success in both the senior and collegiate divisions. Over the past seven years, the senior team has won four international medals, while the collegiate team has won four national medals. At Western, we offer competitive skaters the opportunity to continue skating at an elite level and represent the University, while still being involved with other activities at school.
Tryout Information: In the spring, the WMU synchronized skating teams hold their annual recruitment weekend. Potential skaters have the opportunity to skate with the current teams, meet the coaching staff, participate in a simulated try out, attend a WMU class, stay two nights in a residence hall, and eat in one of the on-campus dining halls. This is a great chance for skaters to get a feel for what it’s like to be a Bronco skater. This event is open to all high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and transfer students. Our 9th Annual Recruitment Weekend will be held April 12th-14th 2011 with official tryouts for the 2012-2013 season at the conclusion of recruitment weekend on April 14th.
Contacts: Maria Tannah WMU Skating Club President mariatannah@gmail.com (715) 614-0466 Leslie Graham Head Coach LPGraham02@aol.com