Olympian Leslie Bader and 'Hence' Bollinger bring the sport to the area.
By Gary R. Blockus of The Morning Call
Speedskating made its debut in the Lehigh Valley on Saturday, and judging by the turnout, it will be around for a long time.
"There were more people on the ice during the public clinic than I expected," said former U.S. Olympian Leslie Bader, who conducted the clinic along with "Hence" Bollinger and members of several speedskating associations.
Over 70 people turned out to watch the speedskating demonstration at the Lehigh Valley Ice Arena in Whitehall, and when it came time for the public to take to the ice, at least 50 took the challenge.
Bader and Bollinger are hoping to form a speedskating club in the Lehigh Valley that will debut in November when arena owners Steve and Sandy Camarano open their second rink directly behind the current one.
"I would think this will go over well, based on the turnout today," Bader said. "We have a number of speedskaters that live within an hour of the rink, and for speedskaters, that's close."
During the first half of the program, members of the Maryland Speedskating Association and the Middle Atlantic Speedskating Association lent a hand as 21 seasoned skaters, ranging from you to master's level, demonstrated their craft with races and drills.
Jane Quigley, one of the top velodrome bicyclists in the world and a former short course speedskating champion, laced up her skates as well. Bollinger was her massage therapist for a number of years.
"I want to try, it," said 18-year-old Susan Eljizi, a former in-line roller speedskater from Whitehall. "When I got out on the ice, it was the same as [roller] skating, but slipperier. I think I'm going to do it."
Thomas Renaldo, a physician whose offices are a few doors away from the L.V. Ice Arena, also gave it a whirl. Bader broke the public portion into smaller groups and conducted the group that included Renaldo and Eljizi.
"It's amazing with the skill level and the speed that's involved," said Renaldo, who plays hockey in a non-contact league. "It's a pure sport in that you need good form, as opposed to ice hockey."
"I'm just trying to get an idea of what it's all about. I've seen it on TV and in the Olympics and I'm interested in applying some of the techniques to hockey."
In less than an hour, Bader managed to take her group through a whole range of basics, from skate position to body position, proper push-off and crossover steps.
Bader said the club will cater to all levels and ages of skaters while concentrating on short course speedskating, that is, speedskating contested on an ice hockey rink (111-meter oval) as opposed to the 400-meter oval necessary for long course.
The blades on speedskates look a lot like metal squeegees. Bader's blades, which she said are like those used by Olympic-caliber athletes, cost about $200, but far cheaper blades are available.
Anyone interested in more information on speedskating or signing up for the club can call Bader at 799-5810, Bollinger at 691-6041 or the L.V. Ice Arena at 434-6899.