History of Western
Michigan’s Synchronized
Skating Team
Presented By: Erica
Dunkel
http://www.wmubroncos.com/sports/skating/
Before Varsity
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WMU’s skating team has been around for
8 years.
High school and College aged students
participated on the sport with no funding
or support from the University.
It wasn’t until the season of 2000 that
WMU’s athletic Department supported the
decision to make skating a varsity sport.
What is synchronized
skating?
 “synchro” as often referred to by many participants, is an
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on-ice sport that has 20-24 people moving in step and
motion together.
They move as dancers, athletes and produce a mirrored
appearance to the audience as they skate with rhythm in
unison. Hence…to be synchronized as one.
Synchro here at Western has become more popular around
campus and has continued support of all students on
.
campus
Skating with Heart
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Despite the decision in the fall of
2003, the skating team was cut
from the athletic department due to
state budget cuts and other Title IX
compliance issues.
http://www
.wmubroncos.com/sports/skating/
The Future of Synchro here
at WMU
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After a top 6 finish at National’s, WMU is now on an
international circuit where they will represent the U.S.A at
international competitions. One this year they presented
at was in Mississauga, Ontario with a 6th place finish.
Will there be a team in the future despite the
cuts…Absolutely.
WMU has a very strong backbone of parents, community
and the skaters themselves.
Practice at 6a.m. most mornings with full class loads and
no scholarships makes disciplined and strong-willed
student athletes.
Quiz Time:
What year did WMU go
varsity?
A.
 B.
 C.
 D.
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1999
2000
2001
2002
Correct answer!!!
Press me
Wrong Answer
Please Return to the
quiz!
Biography of Me
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My name is Erica Dunkel and I am
an Elementary Education major
with a minor in physical education.
I am a 4 year member of the WMU
skating team and have received
letter awards all years.
Although skating has been a very
important part of my life, education
has been far more important.
Having a physical background with
sports, I want to encourage my
students whether in a gym or
classroom to stay physically fit for
life participating in all types of
activities.