2:59 p.m., July 28, 2009----Each summer for the past five years, the University of Delaware has become the home away from home for groups of ice skaters from Italy, whose own ice facilities are closed for the season. The latest group is from Milan, and is led by figure skating coaches Franca Bianconi and Rosanna Murante.

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“We look forward to having the Italian skaters and are delighted they have chosen UD for their summer practice session,” said Angie Cardello, administrative coordinator of ice programs and coach.

The Italian connection began from a friendship between UD coach Jeff DiGregorio and Bianconi, which has led to groups of Italian skaters coming to train at UD during the summer.

The skaters hone their skills on the ice -- gliding and sliding, twirling and swirling, and also falling and sprawling. It's all part of the training that makes skating look effortless and perfect in competition.

The coaches from UD and Italy give specific instructions and critiques from the sidelines. When one skater perfected her routine after several tries and a few spills, she was rewarded with a high five and a big hug from her coach.

Jeff Schneider, instructor in health, nutrition and exercise sciences at UD, provides athletic training and physical therapy for the skaters, who also study ballet as part of their program.

“Coming to UD has been a good experience that gets better every year, and we feel at home here,” Bianconi said. “Not only do the young skaters have an opportunity to train during long summer skating sessions, they have a chance to practice their English and on weekends to go sightseeing to Washington, Philadelphia, Rehoboth and other places.”

Among the skaters are the coaches' daughters, Victoria Bianconi and Jenny Murante. “When we first started coming here, both girls were small and young and have now grown up,” Bianconi said.

The group also includes Roberta Rodefhiero, who came in fifth in the Madrid Junior Grand Prix and Sofia Curci who will be competing later in the Junior Championships at Lake Placid.

Earlier this summer, skaters and coaches from two Italian skating clubs, the Pattinatori Artistici Torino (PAT) and the Circolo Pattinatori Artistici Trento completed two weeks of training at UD.

Pattinatori Artistici Torino, which marked its fourth visit to UD, was under the leadership of head coach Valeria Vercellino and coaches Raffaella Cannone and Lorenza Barnabe. Skaters from PAT included Federica Frola, Elena Calderaro, Gulcia Giani, Margherita Balzola, Gia Peyrani and Giorgia DiFazio.

On its third visit to UD, the Circolo Pattinatori Artistici Trento included coaches Gabriele Minchio and Stephanie Cuel. Skaters included Saverio Giacomelli, Caternia Andermarcher, Silvia Lovinson, Romina Anesi, Carlovittorio, Palerito, Chiara Mattana and Chiara Caitani.

Minchio, who has coached in the sport for 13 years, said, “We like coming to UD because of the coaches and the people here. They are kind and the hospitality is great.”

A 28-year coaching veteran, Vercellino said that it is important for the Italian skaters to see what their American peers are doing on the ice. “Our skaters like to skate with the American skaters and to compare what each group is doing. It motives us to do better.”

Ron Ludington, director of the UD Ice Skating Science Development Center, is pleased that the Italian skaters have been making the trip to UD through the years. “They are disciplined and well behaved and are role models for our skaters and coaches,” Ludington said. “It's a great sharing experience, especially when you have a group that trains hard and wants to learn. The experience also teaches our kids how important it is to be a great person as well as a great skater.”

Article by Sue Moncure and Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Ambre Alexander