MORRISTOWN — On Friday, January 18 through Sunday, January 20, six of Mennen Sports Arena’s very own skaters will be heading to Detroit Michigan to participate in the United States Figure Skating Juvenile Nationals. It is the first year Mennen Sports Arena has skaters entered in each of the four different disciplines.
The hard work and countless hours on the ice for Dalila DeLaura and Isabella Bickenbach of Chatham, Drake Ton of Forest Hills, NY, Ryan Xie of Hillsborough, Antonio Manaco of Whitehouse Station, and Ava Ziegler of Dover has officially paid off as they join the best of the best from across the country this upcoming January.
Ranging from ages 11 – 13, these talented skaters are all members of The Skating Club of Morris headquartered at Mennen Sports Arena or train at Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township and have traveled across the country to compete. But that’s not all! The young athletes dedicate up to 20 hours per week on the ice and participate in off-ice fitness, such as yoga and ballet training to help with strength and flexibility.
“The dedication and passion these skaters bring at such a young age is truly an inspiration,” says Whitney Trif, Skating School Administrator at Mennen Sports Arena. “We are already so proud of what they have accomplished, and this is just the beginning.” Mennen Sports Arena will be sending 6 out of the total 48 competitors nationwide!
Juvenile Pacific Coast Sectional Silver Medalists Isabella Bickenbach and Drake Tong will be competing in the Juvenile Dance Team category, while Juvenile Eastern Sectional Gold Medalists Dalila DeLaura and Ryan Xie represent the Juvenile Pairs Team. Competing in the Juvenile Boys category is Juvenile North Atlantics Bronze Medalist and Juvenile Eastern Sectional Bronze Medalist Antonio Manaco, and Juvenile North Atlantics Gold Medalist and Juvenile Eastern Sectional Gold Medalist Ava Ziegler represents Juvenile Girls.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
