Local Video
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| Pair excels through local skating school |
By: Jeff Wald, Sports Editor
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Posted: Saturday, March 13, 2010 1:07 am
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Anna Sheehan, an ARTech freshman, recently became the first member of the Northfield Skating School to pass a U.S. Figure Skating test.
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NORTHFIELD — It only formed five years ago, but the Northfield Skating School is continuing to make strides as fast as it fills up skills sessions.
Anna Sheehan recently became the first Northfield Skating School participant to pass a U.S. Figure Skating test. Elizabeth Penny, in just a few years of competing, has already won at least four competitions in her age level.
Sheehan’s story
Sheehan, 15, is a freshman at ARTech in Northfield. She has been skating since she was 9 years old and fell in love with the sport almost immediately.
She got serious with it three years ago.
“I wanted to progress past lessons and individualize myself,” Sheehan said. “I just love to skate. I get a chance to glide around and look pretty.”
In January, Sheehan participating in a U.S. Figure Skating test with several other skaters in Burnsville. Skating in front of judges and going by a specific set of rules, she had to complete a skill set that involved rotations on the ice and jump height. She also had to do set patterns on the ice that all equaled about a 10-minute routine. After it was over, she had passed the test with flying colors.
“Passing the tests is a big achievement,” said Northfield Skating School Director Carey Tinkelenberg. “She’s been a good role model for our program, and you can see it reflected in what she’s worked on.”
Sheehan said she was nervous skating in front of judges, but it was a good first step. She has two more tests coming up in Farmington at the end of March.
She could be called a “rink rat.” When she’s not in school, you can probably find her at Northfield Ice Arena. She also skates at least twice a week to meet physical education requirements at ARTech.
According to the U.S. Figure Skating Web site, figure skating in the U.S. can be either competitive or recreational, and those learning to skate can choose either route. While competitive skaters are required to participate in the U.S. testing structure to eventually compete in qualifying competitions, recreational skaters can also opt to take tests in order to continually challenge themselves and their abilities.
The official tests of U.S. Figure Skating may be taken by all figure skaters who are members of a member club or collegiate club, individual members who are currently registered with U.S. Figure Skating and are otherwise qualified under these rules.
Sheehan said she isn’t sure if competition is in her future. She is also a youth coach in the Northfield Skating School.
“I just like to do it for myself,” Sheehan said.
Penny wins right away
Penny, 13, is in seventh grade at Northfield Middle School. On the skating rink, her talent puts her a few years ahead.
She has been skating for a couple years and tried it once at a friend’s birthday party. She’s been a winner ever since.
“I really love it. I just thought it was really fun,” Penny said.
She has competed at events in Duluth, Willmar, St. Cloud and Farmington and taken gold medals at each.
“She has a good work ethic, and we work well together as a team,” Tinkelenberg said. “She’s more confident out there, and we’ve seen a big difference in her schoolwork too.”
Tinkelenberg added that winning is a thrill for Penny, but it’s not the goal. Skating is about improving overall skills.
“It takes courage to do it. There are times when you could go out there and look like a fool,” Tinkelenberg said.
Penny’s first competition was two years ago, and when she won, she said “it was cool.”
This year, she has been in competitions at Eagan, St. Paul, two in Lakeville and others at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Northfield and Farmington.
She also plays the piano, is a golfer and is looking into ballet. Not bad for a 13-year-old.
— Jeff Wald covers local sports. He can be reached at 645-1111 or jwald@northfieldnews.com.
Anna Sheehan
Age: 15
School: Freshman at ARTech
When did you start skating? 9 years old
What’s your favorite part of skating? Spins are my strongest
Elizabeth Penny
Age: 13
School: Seventh grade at Northfield Middle School
When was your first competition? Two years ago, I was 11
What’s your favorite part of skating: Jumps |
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