The Orange Experience is a synchronized skating team that competes in the collegiate division. This division was created in 1997 to allow athletes to continue skating and competing during college, and allows up to twenty skaters on the ice (although additional skaters can be kept as alternates). There are currently over twenty -five collegiate teams representing universities across the country.Tryouts are held in mid-September, with official practice starting immediately after. We typically compete between three or four times during the academic year, as well as perform at the Parent's Weekend Ice Show first semester and the Spring/Nationals Send Off Show second semester.
For 6 years the Orange Experience was completely student run. Last season we were happy to welcome our new full time coach, Lisa Mirabito. The team meets at the end of each school year to choose music for the upcoming season and elect officers and captains. The program is choreographed by our coach with help from a member of the team. The team's captains are responsible for running practice, arranging ice time, and numerous other duties. We also have a board of officers who plan our ice show and exhibitions, arrange travel and fund raising, plan costumes, keep in contact with prospective skaters, and every other detail that goes into a successful synchronized skating team. This makes our team a very close-knit group that works together well and has fun both on AND off the ice.
Eligibility:
All skaters must be full time SU or SUNY ESF students, taking at least 12 credit hours for undergraduates or 9 credits for graduate/law students (unless otherwise considered full time by his/her graduate program) in good academic standing. Skaters must also be registered USFSA members (we usually take care of this as a team at the beginning of the season). For the 2009-2010 season, the juvenile moves in the field test is required for all skaters in the collegiate division, and will be required for try-outs. Intermediate moves, and familiarity with elements from the novice, junior and senior tests is recommended.
Cost:
The cost of the season varies each year and is dependent upon some university funding, sponsorships, and fundsraising. We take pride in the fact that we are one of the most affordable non-varsity team to skate for in the country. For the 2009-2010 season, each skater paid four $250 increments before fundsraising. This helped cover ice time, coaching fees, competition dresses, warm up outfits, skate bags, competition fees, travel expenses for three competitions and other miscellaneous expenses. Some additional out-of-pocket expenses do arise during the season (such as USFSA membership, meals at competitions, team t-shirts, etc) but we try to keep those optional or to a minimum.