East Penn Speed Skating Club was founded, in the fall of 1997, by Hence Bollinger, a local businesswoman, cyclist and speed skating enthusiast. While reading a local newspaper, Hence discovered a local woman by the name of Leslie Corbett Bader. Leslie was a member of the 1988 Olympic Team in long track speed skating. Bollinger used her business sense to acquire ice time, safety mats and club skates. Combined with the coaching and competition experience of Corbett, a club was born.
East Penn has grown from its primarily recreational roots to a diverse program ranging from learn to skate to national level competitors. We have had a broad spectrum of individuals and families join the club. Most of our skaters come from the speed skating, cycling and in-line communities. However, many people had no prior experience in speed skating or related sports, but are now part of our speed skating family.