News

New coaches for the BFSC

By Scott Wagar

10/16/2012

This season, the Bottineau Figure Skating Club will be seeing some new faces as coaches, but faces who are also very familiar with Bottineau’s ice when it comes to lacing up the boots and competing as skaters.

Jenny (Harms) Patterson has accepted the position as the head coach for the BFSC’s basic and snow-plow programs this year.

Patterson is well known in the BFSC, she was skater for the club and coach for the organization while in college.

“The Bottineau Figure Skating Club is thrilled to have Jen share her skating expertise with the younger skaters,” said Susan Haberman of the BFSC.

Joining Patterson as her assistant coaches are long time BFSC skaters Jessica Tagestad, Courtney Gallagher and Christine Wall. The three skaters have a number of skating medals behind their names and will be able to offer insight to the skaters of this level as they assist Patterson.

Kaytlyn Aufforth will be the head coach of the advanced skaters. Aufforth is considered one of the greatest competitive skaters to go through the BFSC and holds a high level of certification with the United States Figure Skating Association.

“After taking a year off for other commitments Kaytlyn is excited to put on her skates again and coach,” Haberman said.

Presently there are 30 skaters signed up for the club this season. However, kids who wish to participate in the BFSC this season can still register. This Saturday, Oct. 20, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. the figure skating club will be holding another registration session for those skaters, male or female, who want to become a member of the BFSC.

“All skaters are asked to bring their skates and be ready to go on the ice, even if they have already registered,” Heberman said. “This will be a “testing” session of sorts for coaches to know which level to place skaters in before the actual lessons start on Oct. 22.”

As members of the BFSC, the skaters will participate in a number of activities.

“In December, we will hold our Ice-Travaganza which is a chance for all of our skaters to showcase their skill,” said Melissa Coleman of the BFSC. “In early January, and later in the skating season, several of our girls will attend competitions in Minot and Bismarck.  In March, our main show “Skate Down Broadway” will be held and all skaters will participate.  

For further information, contact Heather Bartlett at (224) 213-0287 or Coleman at (701) 228-2846.