The Carleton Ravens competitive figure skating team concluded their 2016-17 season with their End of Year Show, hosted on March 11 at the Ice House. With over 100 people in attendance, the team’s final performance gave skaters the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills practiced throughout the season.
“It was emotional for me and some of my friends, because we are graduating,” said fourth-year skater Sofija Mrdja.
As team captain for the past two years, Mrdja said she felt that with several returning veteran skaters, the rookies of the team had a strong support system going into the season.
“That was one of my goals being captain, is to make sure that everyone was motivated,” she said.
Having a total of 32 skaters this season, the team is divided into two divisions, competitive and development.
The Ravens had three competitions and two ice shows throughout the season. The team travelled to Queen’s University for the Fall Invitational earlier in the season, and to Ryerson University for the Winter Invitational. In addition to the End of Year Show, the team also hosted a Holiday Show on Dec. 10.
With a combination of competitions and performances, Mrdja said the team adjusts training accordingly.
“It’s a different kind of preparation,” she said. “Training for competitions is much more physically and mentally demanding.”
The Ravens concluded their competitive season at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championships hosted by Brock University on Feb. 14-15. First-year skater Amanda Cousineau earned a bronze medal in the Women’s Starskate 10 event. With a total of 19 skaters, the Ravens came eights overall and saw multiple lifetime-best performances.
“For the graduating skaters, it’s nice to see them put out really good performances at OUAs for their last skate,” said Ravens head coach Laura Kilpatrick.
Other highlights from OUA Championships included performances by Mrdja and Yasmine Arshad. Arshad had a personal highest placement with her open solo dance performance.
Kilpatrick said for Mrdja, “it was her last skate of university and of her competitive career,” and noted Mrdja’s commitment and strong leadership on the team.
“It wasn’t just on the ice, but what she was able to do with the team off the ice as well,” Kilpatrick said.
The team trains on ice for two hours, four times a week, with off-ice conditioning sessions as well. The Ravens also competed at the Eastern Ontario Section synchro competition in Ottawa, on March 4, taking home a bronze medal.
“It was a good way for [Mrdja] and a few others to close out their final year,” said Kilpatrick.
The conclusion of the season also means the end of varsity skating careers for Mrdja and three of her teammates. After skating all four years of her undergraduate degree, Mrdja said she enjoyed being a part of the team and representing Carleton.
“Varsity skating gives people the chance to keep training the sport they really love,” Mrdja said.
After her third year as head coach, Kilpatrick said the team plans on continuing to work hard and improve heading into their next season.
“It is slow growing, but it is growing,” Kilpatrick said. “They have really jelled and started to work together.”
– Photo is provided.
