July 27, 2015 at 2:56 p.m.
From Rhinelander to Omaha
Four RFSC skaters participating in State Games of America; competition to be held this week in Nebraska
From Rhinelander to Omaha
The State Games of America are hosted every two years in different cities throughout the United States. Lincoln, Nebraska will be home to the 2015 games, with the figure skating portion taking place in Omaha.
This year's games are expected to be the biggest yet with an estimated 15,000 participants, which would top the 2007 games held in Colorado Springs which brought in 10,000 participants.
In order to qualify for the State Games of America athletes must medal in at least one event during state games on a local level in the two years leading up to the games. For Wisconsin athletes medaling in the Badger State Games is required in order to compete in the State Games of America.
All four Rhinelander girls did just that, placing within the top ranks in many of the competition's events.
Cook said she plans to compete in several events.
"I am doing four events," she said. "I'm doing dance, which is like a test pattern that you have to know, and then interpretive where they give you a song and you have to come up with a routine on the spot and then spins. They give you several spins. Then a step sequence where you have to like, to music you have to do a step sequence, footwork and stuff."
Hoger will compete in three events: jumps challenge, singles spins challenge and test track free skate.
Brunette will take part in two events: basic elements and free skate program.
Hauser will compete in four events: free skate compulsory, free skate program, jumps challenge and spins challenge.
Cook competed in the State Games of America in 2013 when the events were held in Hershey, Pennsylvania. That year Cook was the only person from the area to compete and said she is happy to have other competitors from the area headed to Nebraska with her.
"It was really nerve-wracking because I was the only one from Rhinelander that went, but it was fun too," she said. "I think it's great that there's other people coming with me because its a great experience and I want them to have that experience because there are two younger skaters (Joyce Hauser and Nicole Brunette) that are coming with us and I think it will be great."
Hoger agreed having the four of them together will be a positive experience for all of them.
"I think it's going to be cool having people there that we know. It's going to be good for everyone. It's exciting," she said.
Hoger said although this isn't the first time she and Cook have competed in a competition of this magnitude, it's not on the same level.
"Me and Lauren for high school team we went to the national finals competition in Ohio this year so sort of (the same) but not on the same scale," she said.
Hoger said all though the group sizes make her a bit nervous she has high hopes for herself in the competition and has set some goals.
"I'd really like to bring home a medal, but I just think it will be cool to represent Wisconsin, bring home some medals," she said.
The opening ceremonies for the games will take place July 31 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Memorial Stadium and the Rhinelander girls plan to be in attendance. The figure skating competition in Omaha will be held on July 29 and July 30.
Lindsey Nylund may be reached at [email protected].
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