Formed
in 1979 by Elaine Ahern, the Precisionaires at the University of
Delaware were the first university affiliated synchronized skating
team. She recruited girls from the university's skating classes as a
way to keep students interested in skating. The Precisionaires
originally competed in the Junior Division, and eventually in the
senior division. The Precisionaires became very successful after making
the decision to move into the newly formed Collegiate division, where
they've received a pewter national medal in 2001, four bronze medals in
1999, 2004, 2006, and 2007, and were crowned with the silver medal in
2000 and 2008. In 2005 the Precisionaires officially changed their name
to the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Team.
The
team is coached by UD Alumni and former Precisionaire, Wendy Deppe, and
National Ice Dance Competitor, Megan O'Donnell. The team uses various
off-ice training techniques to enhance their on-ice abilities. Jeff
Schnieder, the UD athletic trainer, whips the girls into shape three
times a week with cardio, resistance training, and core exercises. Jeff
trains many high level UDFSC skaters. The team also participates in
aerobics for an hour every week, taught by UD and Precisionaire Alumni
Meghan Gelburd. This workout includes running, jump-roping, and many
various strength building exercises. The team partakes in ballet as
well, instructed by Tisa Della-Volpe, who also partially contributes to
the creativity in the team's theatrical programs. |