Every winter, numerous people try ice skating for the first time – many of them fall in love with the elegant and enjoyable nature of the sport but do not have the opportunity to pursue it. Figure skating is one of the most popular and most recognized winter sports in the U.S., with two out of five Americans participating in it. The sport can also boost overall physical and mental health. Morris Knolls High School has a total of seven available winter sports, including ice hockey; however, there is currently no option for figure skating. Due to the popularity and benefits of figure skating, it is reasonable for the school to have a figure skating team.

The substantial popularity of figure skating guarantees that a large number of Morris Knolls students are willing to join a figure skating team if the school opens one. Having a figure skating team would give students opportunities they would otherwise not have. One reason that steers people away from joining figure skating is that an ice rink could be too far away. It could also be complicated to start lessons by oneself and switch from coach to coach. Joining a figure skating team and competitions independently could be challenging as well. The school’s figure skating team could provide students with transportation to an ice rink, and the process of pursuing figure skating would not be as complicated. The price of lessons, ice time, and competitions could also stop people from continuing the sport, but joining a school team could reduce the price, especially if a student owns a pair of skates. Some students have prior experience in figure skating or ice skating and wish to join a team to represent the school. Opening a team for these students would also help them with many aspects, such as building their college applications, following opportunities they did not have before, and building friendships and bonds along the way.

Having a figure skating team in Morris Knolls would also benefit the health of students who are interested in pursuing the sport. For instance, it poses several physical advantages, such as an increase in strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. In addition, the sport can also enhance a student’s mood, physical ability, and happiness – many students might be able to experience this if a figure skating team is added to the school. These benefits are long-lasting and can be opened to more students willing to start or advance in figure skating. Figure skating does not initially feel as strenuous, especially for beginners, but still has the same physical benefits as other sports. This factor could appeal to students looking for a sport that will strengthen their cardiovascular health while not being too tiring. Figure skating will become more intense as one progresses, but the passion for it does not go away – having a school team for it can introduce and encourage more students to continue the sport.

I asked Samantha Reger, who is a sophomore and figure skater at Morris Knolls, why she would be interested in a figure skating club. She responded with, “I love skating and haven’t found a team since I moved. This would be a great opportunity.” I also asked Mia Byrdak, another Morris Knolls sophomore who does not figure skate, if and why she would be interested in this club. She answered, “I would be interested in the ice skating club; I think it would be a fun experience meeting new people and trying something new.” This shows how a variety of students would be interested in the new figure skating club.

Morris Knolls High School should have a figure skating team because of the sport’s popularity and variety of benefits. Students in the school are likely to join the team because of the popularity of figure skating and the accessibility it will provide. The well-being of students will increase, and many opportunities will follow. A figure skating team would ultimately benefit the students and the school.

Citations:

Holy City Sinner. “Figure Skating the Most Popular Winter Olympic Sport as Ice Hockey Ranks Disappointingly.” Holy City Sinner, 12 Jan. 2022, holycitysinner.com/imported/figure-skating-popular-winter-olympic-sport-ice-hockey-ranks-disappointingly/#:~:text=Figure%20Skating%20is%20the%20most%20popular%20sport&text=According%20to%20the%20data%20found,the%20events%20on%20the%20ice.