MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leaders of the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Edge and Pleasant Prairie-based IceStars synchronized skating clubs announced today that the two organizations will merge, effective in the 2018/2019 season. The merger will include more than 100 current figure skaters in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, and create new opportunities for generations of skaters to come. The new organization will be the largest synchronized skating club in the state of Wisconsin and will aim to field youth teams from Beginner through Junior levels, as well as Adult teams.
“The sport of synchronized skating is growing both nationally and internationally,” says Mickie Pearsall, Board President of the Wisconsin Edge. “Coupled with the anticipated growth along the I-94 corridor, we believe this is a strategic, exciting move for both of our clubs.”
“Merging is a significant opportunity for us to combine resources, knowledge and talent to move forward together,” says Angela Moreno, President of the IceStars. “Some of the most successful synchro organizations on the east coast followed a similar path three or four years ago. During our benchmarking conversations, they pointed to the decision to merge as instrumental to their strength.”
Competing under the Wisconsin Edge name, the combined organization will adopt a new logo and a color scheme to incorporate the traditions of both organizations.
“We’re definitely going to take the time needed to develop a new culture that honors the best of both organizations,” says Angie Johnstad, the Director of WI Edge. “Our coaches, skaters and families are very passionate and committed to this sport. We’ve all worked really hard to get to where we are today and that dedication is what will bring us even more success in the future.”
The number of teams and the levels at which they will compete will be determined following tryouts this Spring. The board of directors for the combined organization will include representatives from both former teams, and the existing coaches from each club will be retained and work together as one team.
The club will call two rinks home - the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI, and the RecPlex in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
About Synchro: Synchronized Skating is the fastest-growing figure skating discipline in the United States. More than 600 teams are registered with United States Figure Skating (USFS) and compete across the country. Teams consist of eight to twenty skaters performing a coordinated program, and are judged using the same system applied to singles, pairs, and ice dance. It was officially recognized by the International Skating Union (ISU) as a figure skating discipline in 1994, and the first World Championships were held in 2000. The ISU has signaled its desire to make Synchronized Skating an Olympic sport in the future.
About Wisconsin Edge: Wisconsin Edge was founded in 1985 when the sport was still referred to as “Precision.” Edge teams have won medals in regional and national tournaments, including a 2015 Midwestern championship by the Preliminary team. Today, nearly 100 skaters compete for the club’s teams, which range from Beginner through Adult and Masters levels. Wisconsin Edge is based at the Pettit National Ice Center and is affiliated with the Wisconsin Figure Skating Club.
About IceStars: The IceStars have been skating at RecPlex in Pleasant Prairie, WI since 2004 and representing Cutting Edge Figure Skating Club since 2007. They have competed regionally and nationally and earned two silver medals at Midwestern Sectionals. The teams currently have thirty skaters on two teams representing the Cutting Edge Figure Skating Club.