Figure Skating: Winterfest Competition

On January 16, 2017, Malden High School’s Figure Skating team competed in an annual competition against the eight other figure skating teams from different cities in Massachusetts. The competition was held in Gloucester at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., hosted by the Shoreline Skating Club. Overall, the figure skating team placed fourth, placing second in their team maneuver with Allyson Kummins winning her free style event, and Alyssa Ardai placing third in her free style event.

Elizabeth Gibbons, MHS math teacher and coach of the figure skating team, explained that the maneuvers included, “a couple of jumps, a couple of spins, and a couple of footwork elements,” and later, in order for the three judges to give the teams their scores, “all of the teams send out one representative out for each element, and then they are analyzed.” They are judged based on the quality of their jumps and spins and footwork, the amount of power they exhibit out on the ice, their artistic expression, and by how they interpret the music.

To analyze the elements in each maneuver, the judges have each team perform one after the other. Then for the free-style program, each figure skater can perform with the music of their choice. Kummins skated to a Betty Who cover of ‘I Love You Always Forever,’ and Ardai skated to a cover of ‘I Raise You Up’ by Josh Groban.

When asked about the performances of each girl on the team, Gibbons praised Kummins, saying that, “[she thinks] that Allyson skated her program better than she’s ever skated it before,” and how she was, “really proud of her.” Over the course of the figure skating season, Gibbons said that throughout the season the girls had really improved on their “artistic expression and their power on the ice.” Aside from the athleticism in figure skating, there is also an artistic component that comes into play as well. Gibbons believes in the importance of training both the artistic and technical aspects of figure skating, especially since every program revolves around these two components.

At the competition there was sportsmanship shown by all of the teams, regardless from which high school the teams came from. Gibbons testified to the sportsmanship, saying that it felt like there was, “a big sense of community among the teams,” and that “everyone cheers for everyone.”

About the Author

Rebecca Oliveira

Contributor

Finishing up her last year at MHS, Senior Rebecca Olivera wants to be make it an unforgettable one. Having a deep passion for writing, Rebecca loves to write and is interested in journalism, which is why she joined the class. She’s looking forward to learning how to do photography and being a reporter. Since this is her last year, she hopes to excel in the class and make it the best time here. Olivera mentioned that MHS has helped her get out of her shell more has been involved in afterschool activities such as the visual arts club. In her free time, Rebecca likes to read, write, and draw. Her favorite genre of books ranges from classical to fantasy. The Flash, CSI, and Once Upon A Time are just some of the shows she like to watch. She's a big fan of Marvel and Michael Bay’s movies (Transformer). Her dream vacation is to go to Hawaii because one of her favorite shows was filmed there (Hawaii Five-0). Genres of music she's into, are contemporary, upbeat, and gospel music. Still indecisive on where she wants to go college, she wants to major involving around writing or communication. Her parents work at a coffee shop, in which she gained new experiences like making coffee, smoothies and breaking ice. Her favorite food is pasta and she is the oldest out of three siblings, (1 sister and 1 brother). Grant Gustin, Dylan O’brien, and Tyler Posey are just the few celebrities she likes. Rebecca is very excited to start her senior year.

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