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April 2021, Issue #2

Skater Highlight

Lorraine McNamara, Senior Level ice dancer with the Wheaton Ice Skating Academy (WISA)

By Lorraine McNamara 

To say that the last twelve months have been a roller coaster for me would be an understatement. At the same time life as we knew it came to a stop with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic twelve months ago, my whole world came to a screeching halt as well. My skating partner of 15 years, Quinn Carpenter, made the decision to end his competitive skating career. I was faced with a predicament that I had never imagined in my wildest dreams. While there was so much uncertainty with what was to come, I knew one thing for sure: my skating journey was not over. There was no doubt that this new beginning in my competitive career rested on my ever-burning passion to reach new heights, a passion that burned brighter than ever. 

At a time when the whole world was at a standstill due to the pandemic, it was time to take the first steps into this new chapter of my life. While this was an extremely daunting position for me, it gave me the ability to look at things from a totally new perspective. Having teamed up with Quinn when I was just six years old, I never had to search for a partner, let alone experience a tryout. With the entire world shut down, it was very worrisome to think about how a tryout could ever be orchestrated. A few months into the lockdown, Anton Spiridonov contacted my coaches and informed them he was interested in a tryout. Since air travel was suspended, Anton drove all the way to Virginia from his home in Florida. The few hours that the rink agreed to let us on the ice went so well, as our energy, our strength and our drive synched up immediately. We set up an extended tryout for when the rinks would formally open. Three days into what was supposed to be a 10-day tryout, the exciting decision was made. When it feels right, you just know. It was evident that we were a perfect match and we wanted to get to work as soon as possible. We were moving at such a quick pace that Anton did not even have time to make the trip back home to pack up his things before moving to Virginia. While most new teams have several months to ease into things, we hit the ground running and jumped right into molding this brand-new partnership. Every moment on the ice was crucial for us and we were improving at wonderous speeds. Each day, we made great strides. It was so exciting to take on this challenge together. 

After just three quick months, we qualified for Skate America in Las Vegas. It was absolutely thrilling that not only our first competition as a team, but also Anton’s first competition at the Senior level, was a Grand Prix. We were so happy and proud of our debut and could not have wished for anything better. While spectators could not attend the event for the safety of everyone, it was an absolute blast to get out on the ice and perform together. The energy that we can gather from each other is so contagious and creates unmatched charisma.

Unfortunately, the Challenger Series that was to take place in the following months was canceled due to the soar in COVID-19 cases. However, we did not let this take the wind out of our sails. We set our sights forward and worked day in and day out to prepare for the U.S. National Championships in January. Heading back to Las Vegas, it was amazing how in just two short months, we had already evolved so much as a team. 

This entire experience has been life-changing. Familiarity was thrown out the window. The last few months have bestowed upon me many precious tools that I will carry with me as I move through life’s future endeavors. I have learned what it means to face obstacles head-on and how to pivot when faced with a new challenge. The skills I have developed have taught me how to persevere in the presence of adversity and to use the curve balls thrown at me to bloom and grow. If I had to pick one word to describe the past year, I would choose “metamorphosis.” The months were filled with so much change and shifting, and at times, a lot of darkness. There were times when uncertainty was overwhelming, and fear crept in. However, through it all, I knew something beautiful was taking place. I am very proud of how I have evolved as an athlete, artist, and a young woman through this all and am eager to share all I have developed with the world around me. Anton and I are beyond thrilled for all that is in store for us in our future. We are confident that we have something so special to offer to the sport and to the world, and we look forward to showing even more of who we are as a team.

Capital Skating Fund

By Jill Cantrill from interviews with Barbara Shaw and Konrad Huppi

Stars On Ice production for the Capital Skating Fund

When a skating club makes a profit from running US Nationals, how does one spend that money? WFSC was faced with that decision after hosting the 1989 US National Championships. A group of members came together with a vision to form an organization that would focus on supporting and promoting the sport of figure skating. Originally called the Washington Figure Skating Education and Development Fund, the Fund became the sponsoring organization for the 2003 World Figure Skating Championships and the assets grew exponentially. The name was changed in 2006 to the Capitol Skating Fund, but the mission remained the same. The emphasis was to develop promising skaters, support training opportunities, support educational endeavors, and offer outreach to communities that did not have skating opportunities or instruction. From Baltimore, Maryland to southern Virginia, CSF gives grants to skaters, skating teams, and programs based on talent, financial need, academic achievement, and community service.

A highlight of the post-2003 years was a tie-in to Stars on Ice (photo above with Michael Weiss). CSF would hold a meet and greet for local skaters to meet the Stars on Ice skaters after the performance. In addition to providing an opportunity to meet the show’s stars, the event featured a Silent Auction of skating mementos gathered from international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. Revenue from these fundraisers provided ongoing support for the Fund’s grant programs.

Reaching out to communities such as the Fort DuPont rink in Washington DC has been an ongoing part of CSF. Following the 2003 Worlds, a grant of $100,000 was given to the Friends of Ft. DuPont Ice Arena in recognition of the partnership between CSF and Ft. DuPont. Discount tickets were given to their skaters so that they could attend Stars on Ice. Recently CSF assisted Ft. DuPont to meet a financial goal with another grant of $100,000, which was matched by a local ice hockey team and the DC government, to renovate and build a second rink.

Along with individual grants, CFS supports organizations that offer educational seminars to individuals who are interested in becoming judges, and training sessions for existing judges and coaches on changes in rules. Support for teams such as local synchro teams and theater on ice teams is also given in recognition of both skating accomplishments and teaching of life skills.

The Florence Sifferd Award is given to individuals who show skating promise and work ethic, good sportsmanship, and scholastic achievement. The Lydia Paley Hume Fund was created to honor her contribution to skating in the area. This fund nurtures synchronized skating in the DMV. The Beverly Kimes Bequest is a WFSC fund that is awarded through CSF and assists skaters who have a financial need as well as promising skating skills.

The Capitol Skating Fund Board meets twice a year to review and award grants. Information on applying for a grant can be found on the website capitolskatingfund.org. Applications are normally received by March 31 and October 31. This spring the Board will accept applications until April 26, 2021. Skaters should have competed at a US Figure Skating Qualifying Competition to be eligible for an award.

WFSC Virtual Adult Competition 2021

Calling all adult skaters! 

Adult only virtual competition hosted by WFSC.

All abilities welcome; we have a tract for all competitive skaters.

If pandemic claimed all your competitive assignments – reclaim it through this virtual competition. If you plan to attend Adult Nationals – this will be a great warm up. Not ready to travel? This is an opportunity to test your programs in the safest manner possible. For details, registration and to upload your recorded programs to EntryEeze: 

2021 Washington FSC Virtual Adult Competition Home

Registration closes at 11:59 PM EDT on May 1, 2021.

Video upload is through Entryeeze during registration or following registration with a deadline of 11:59 PM EDT on May 15, 2021.

Scoring will take place from May 16 to 30.

Sanctioned (#29925) by U.S. Figure Skating

Ice Skating Competitions and Results

Are you wondering where competitions are happening? Whether virtual or in person, check out our updated and growing list of upcoming competitions and results!
Competitions and Results

Get Up Champions

Congratulations to our WFSC 2021 Get Up Champions for overcoming adversity and having the dedication and perseverance to Get Up and skate with your heart! Congrats and thank you for continuing to be such an inspiration to us all!


High Performance Development Team 

Congratulations to our WFSC skaters who made the U.S. Championship Series High Performance Development Team. 

Novice Ladies Single:

Sarah Everhardt

Novice Dance:

Olivia Dietrich (Washington FSC) and Eduard Pylypenko (All Year FSC)

Olivia Ilin (Washington FSC) and Dylan Cain (Washington FSC)

Intermediate Dance:

Annelise Stapert (Washington FSC) and Maxim Korotcov (Washington FSC)

Juvenile Dance:

Isabella Porter (Washington FSC) and Daniel Dehart (Frederick FSC)

Figure Skating Juv-Intermediate Boys 13 and Under:

David Lu 

Skaters Desk

In this section of the newsletter, we would like to feature a written piece (essay, poem, short story…) or art piece (drawing, painting, digital art…) related to skating from any of our members. 

Want to Be Featured in The Blade?

Submit an entry and your submissions will be reviewed by The Blade’s Editorial Committee. Once you've submitted your entry someone from the committee will be in touch if your entry is selected!

Submit an entry

Where are they now?

Former WFSC President Peter Tsai moved to Houston, Texas in time for the pandemic and the big Texas freeze. He has been dealing with burst pipes and palm tree damage. Peter said "I got my last Pfizer shot last week. Next week I should be safe to go to the barber." Peter now lives one hour from the Houston rinks.

Membership Info

Membership runs from July 1st to June 30th. As with other clubs we cannot prorate membership during the year since USFS doesn’t prorate their membership fee. Your membership with WFSC also gives you membership with USFS, a portion of our fees are sent to USFS. Please visit our website: washingtonfsc.org for membership information and a link to our online membership roster.

If you have questions about membership contact the Membership Chair: wfscmembershipchair@gmail.com

If you have a question about Moves in the Field or Free Skate tests contact: wfscmiftest@gmail.com

Questions about Dance tests contact: WFSCdance@gmail.com

Thank you to The Blade Editorial Committee
Jill Cantrill, Dorothy Jones-Davis, Ginger Dietrich, Kitty McGorry, Eva Przygodzki, and Judy Reiner.
Please submit questions, feedback or suggestions to our Editorial Committee, wfsctheblade@gmail.com.
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