Padua Franciscan High School’s Figure Skating Team won the Ohio High School Team Figure Skating Championship on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Thornton Park in Shaker Heights. Padua was one of 13 teams in the competition, where 23 schools were represented.
They claimed their 9th state title in school history. Past championship years include: 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2008. They have also been runner-up three times.
This year in addition to winning overall first place, Padua took first place in the Production Ensemble event, in which teams of eight or more skaters performed a themed group number. The team performed to music from Jurassic Park and other dinosaur-themed songs. The numbers are judged on illustration of character, music interpretation, costuming and audience appeal. The Lady Bruins also won the Moves-in-the-Field to Music and Showcase/Interpretive events.
“People said we couldn’t pull off the dinosaur theme, but I knew we could. Our girls completely nailed it! The judges couldn’t stop smiling,” said Team Manager Lori Margevicius.
Overall, the Lady Bruins won 30 medals in their 44 individual events. The girls earned 12 gold medals, 12 silver and 6 bronze. Padua’s top skater was junior Elyse Andel, who has been on Padua’s team for five years, since she joined the team in 7th grade. During that time, she won four state team titles. This year, she scored the most points for Padua during her individual routine, bringing home three gold and one bronze medal.
“None of these accomplishments would be possible without our outstanding moderator, nor the love and support of my teammates,” said Andel. “These girls have become sisters to me over the past five seasons. Being a member of this team has made all of the hard work and dedication to the sport worthwhile.”
Principal Mr. David Stec ’86 said the figure skating team continues to be a source of great pride and joy.
“To have won this championship nine out of the last 13 years is a clear statement of the quality and competency of our program,” Stec said. “This team consists of incredible athletes, who are excellent young ladies, as well.
“They work hard, skate hard and represent the Padua Bruins with excellence. I look forward to many years of continued success.”
Team coaches Allison Vega ’10 and Alexis Flinn ’10 are Padua alumni, who have been part of the successful program, since its inception in 2007. They were on the first championship team in 2008.
Looking ahead to next season, Margevicius is confident that Padua Franciscan High School will be in good shape to defend its figure skating state title.
“We’re going to be strong,” Margevicius said. “We have five strong juniors this year, so next season should be good for us.”
With each new state title earned, the program has become more popular under their direction. They receive year-round inquiries from area skaters and their parents about when their daughters, and occasionally their sons, can join the team as junior varsity members, during seventh and eighth grade. For more information, please contact Team Manager Lori Margevicius at lmargevi@kent.edu or Director of Recruitment Kammy Shuman ’88 at kshuman@paduafranciscan.com.
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Padua’s Skating Team gathered in front of their State Champ banner during a rally in the school gymnasium celebrating their latest title on Friday, February 15, 2019.