Although the Frank Southern Ice Arena -- where the IU figure skating team practices -- closed a month before its season ended, it did not prevent the team from practicing. Whether it was carpooling to Indianapolis or finding another sheet of ice, team members searched for places to go to refine their skating skills. \nDuring the weekend of March 30 the Hoosiers competed in the National Intercollegiate Figure Skating Championships held in San Jose, Calif. In their third year of existence, the Hoosiers competed with many of the top collegiate skaters in the nation. IU placed fourth behind Dartmouth College, Boston University and the University of Delaware, and team members said they were proud of their showing.\n"It is quite an accomplishment for a third-year team to beat longer-established teams," junior Catherine Staples said. "This shows our dedication and love for the sport of figure skating."\nWith a large crowd present, the Hoosiers turned in several top performances over the course of the weekend. Senior and club president Katie Laughner earned a first-place finish in the Intermediate Solo Dance and tied for first in the Novice Solo Dance. Freshman Krystina Neuman took second in the Junior Free Skate and third in the Junior Short Program. Staples finished sixth in the Intermediate Free Skate, while junior Katie Elkins placed third in the Junior Solo Dance.\nSophomore Beth Dorr, who competed in the Junior Short Program, said she felt the support from each team member made a big difference in the competition.\n"We all help each other out at practice, telling each other what looks good and how to improve," she said. "When it was time for competition, the whole team was in the stands cheering you on and it only gives you more energy and adrenaline while you're out there on the ice."\nLaughner agreed with Dorr's assessment.\n"Pulling the team together to work for one goal is what has inspired everyone on the team to work so hard," she said. "The enthusiasm and teamwork that occurs every day inside and outside of the skating rink is what we can credit our success to."\nAlthough the team has only been competing for a few years, it has already established itself as one of the elite club figure skating teams in the nation. As a team, the Hoosiers earned first in the Hoosier Challenge and Flacon Cup Challenge and placed second in the Bronco Cup Challenge. \nSenior Amanda Schacht said the teamwork and cooperation they have has excelled them this season.\n"I think having that kind of encouragement from your team in a sport that can be very individualized is what makes our team feel like a family"
IU places 4th at Nationals in San Jose, Calif.
Two Hoosiers garner top awards in competition
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