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West Jeff grad competes at synchronized skating nationals
(by Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor - March 09, 2010)
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 Photo courtesy of Miami University
Miami University's senior synchronized skating team takes to the ice.
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Jessica Swartz, a 2006 West Jefferson High School graduate, wrapped up her synchronized ice skating career at Miami University on March 6 at the U.S. National Championships in Minneapolis.
Swartz, 21, and her 15 teammates placed third in both the short and long programs. Their short program (two-and-a-half minutes) featured a “Romeo and Juliet” theme. The 1940s inspired their long program (four-and-a-half minutes). The RedHawks were one of just three teams to crack 200 points for the competition. Their combined total was 202.68.
“We had a really, really good season. We had clean skates (where nobody falls) and improved each time out,” said Swartz. “At nationals, we had two really good skates. We were just disappointed with our scores.”
Swartz began ice skating at age 6 and competing as a freestyle singles skater at age 9. It wasn’t until she was a sophomore in high school that she started synchronized skating, which is exactly what it sounds like—lots of skaters doing the same routine at the same time. Through the Ohio skating community, she learned about Miami University’s program in Oxford, Ohio.
“It’s well known that Miami has a great synchronized program. They’re always nationally ranked,” Swartz said.
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 Jessica Swartz, a West Jefferson graduate, is a senior member of Miami University's synchronized skating team.
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As a freshman, the psychology major skated on the university’s entry level squad, the junior team. She split her sophomore season between the junior squad and the next level up, the collegiate team, which has won six consecutive national titles (including one this year) and 12 overall. Last year, she moved up to the senior team, which took first at nationals in 2009.
The synchronized skating season begins in August with tryouts. The first competitions are in December. The season, which ends in March, includes contests around the country and abroad.
“I’ve really appreciated the international experience I’ve gotten through the team the last three years. The travel has been a gift,” Swartz said.
She competed in Croatia twice, once her sophomore year at a four-team event and again as a junior, when her team took seventh place in the 15-team world championships. She also competed in the Czech Republic her junior year and Switzerland this year.
Swartz is the daughter of Dan and Lana Swartz of West Jefferson. She wants to become a school counselor and coach singles and synchronized skating.
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