The University of Delaware Intercollegiate Figure Skating Team (UDFS) earned the title of East Coast champions this month, scoring 129 points at the last Eastern Sectional competition of the season. At the March 16 competition, UD was followed by Boston University, in second place with 118 points, and Dartmouth College, in third place with 87 points.

The team is heading to the Intercollegiate National Championships in Denver on April 13-15.

Head coach Joel McKeever said he is enthusiastic to see what the team will bring to Nationals after achieving the title of East Coast champions.

“Although I have coached numerous teams over the years, I am repeatedly impressed with the resilience and competitiveness this team has produced throughout the season,” McKeever said. “The team’s greatest strength has been their ability to understand the importance of working together as a team rather than skating individually for themselves. In a sport that encourages individualistic goals, this team has strived to create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that ultimately lead to our success.”

Senior Kam Wong said she is experiencing bittersweet feelings heading into her last Nationals after being a part of the team for four years: “The entire team was extremely motivated to perform to the best of their abilities at this past competition. As sad as I am to watch my skating career end, I couldn’t imagine being surrounded by more talented, supportive and passionate team members. I am truly grateful to end my undergraduate journey with this family.”

“Each skater was able to perform to the best of their capabilities and showcase all the different assets each individual brings to the team,” said Samantha Puhl, team vice president. “Having been a competitive member, chair of outreach and alumni relations and now vice president, I can truly say it has been an honor to represent UD at every competition as part of UDFS. I know I can trust each teammate to work their hardest and support one another. I cannot wait to compete in Colorado three weeks from now for a sixth national title!”

Team members said, as the East Coast champions, they plan to bring the same fiery energy and motivation to Denver next month, looking to earn their sixth national title.

The UDFS winners at the 2018 Carnegie Mellon University Intercollegiate Competition include:

• Alannah Binotto, first place, gold dance; second place, international dance;
• Brynn Dayton, second place, low team maneuvers; first place, preliminary;
• Hannah Gottfried, first place, high team maneuvers; second place, preliminary dance; second place, juvenile dance; second place, junior ladies short; second place, junior ladies championship;
• Lindsay Jarger, second place, medium team maneuvers;
• Emily Joseph, second place, low team maneuvers; second place, juvenile ladies group B;
• Samantha Lee, second place, medium team maneuvers; fifth place, intermediate ladies short;
• Danielle Olney, third place, novice dance; first place, senior ladies long;
• Samantha Puhl, first place, high team maneuvers; fifth place, senior ladies championship;
• Chloe Roberts, first place, pre-juvenile ladies;
• Melissa Rosales, first place, high team maneuvers; second place, senior ladies long;
• Julia Rowland, first place, junior ladies championship;
• Jacob Schedl, low team maneuvers; second place, gold dance; eighth place, international dance;
• Mckenna Schindler, second place, medium team maneuvers; second place, novice long;
• Brooke Tripp, second place, medium team maneuvers; juvenile ladies group C;
• Annabel Will, second place, medium team maneuvers; first place, intermediate ladies long;
• Kameron Wong, second place, low team maneuvers; second place, senior dance; third place, pre-juvenile ladies; and
• Sumika Yamada, first place, high team maneuvers; first place, senior ladies short; third place, senior ladies championship; first place, preliminary dance; first place, juvenile dance.