Ice skating, hockey classes now offered
With the completion of the George S. Eccles Ice Center, the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department has added classes in ice skating and non-contact ice hockey.
“This is something new and different for the area,” arena manager Ty Newberry said. “From the turnout, it’s pretty obvious student-aged people are a little curious. It’s not something everyone can do.”
Hour long classes are offered twice a week for both ice skating and hockey, and each class having two sections. Debbie Tidwell, HPER staff assistant, said beginning and intermediate classes share the ice for each section.
Newberry said most universities with ice rinks nearby offer classes. While coaching hockey at Penn State, Newberry said they had eight sections of ice skating classes.
Art Jones, HPER department head, said the idea of offering classes at the arena arose in meetings with Janet Borg, who first promoted the ice arena for the valley.
Jones said he asked her to find out what would be required for the classes and prepare the courses. Because it was unsure when the arena would open, Jones said the department was not able to advertise the classes very well. He said the only advertising done was a poster placed in the lobby of the HPER Building and more than 100 students signed up.
“We expect in the future there will be a great deal of interest in skating,” Jones said. “It is a unique lifetime skill that we can offer year-round.”
The number of classes offered will depend on student response, Jones said. Currently, more than 500 students have signed up for skiing classes, resulting in the need for eight sections, Jones said. The number of classes has increased with student demand and the same result will be likely with classes offered at the arena, Jones said.
“I see ice skating doing the same thing, having a great interest. I think it will be a great opportunity for students,” Jones said.
Newberry said they would like to add more sections and can be more creative with scheduling them during the day. He said they would probably offer more sections of both classes. The current agreement between the university and the arena is for a year. Both Jones and Newberry said they expect the classes to be offered continually.
Both Jones and Newberry said the only drawback to the class is the location of the arena, near 2800 North. Jones said it is unlikely classes will be extended beyond an hour.
“It’s not a good option for students,” Jones said. “It is an activity class and students have to work around other classes.”