News Photo by Leslianne Johns Alpena figure skater Taylor Widajewski does a “shoot-the-duck” move on Sunday at Northern Lights Area. Alpena faced teams from around the state at their home arena.

ALPENA — On Sunday, the Alpena High School figure skating team took to the ice in their home competition as part of the Michigan High School District 4-3 series, facing off against competition from teams across the state.

Despite strong showings from teams like Ann Arbor, Midland, and Kalamazoo, Alpena skaters delivered solid performances in multiple events.

“Alpena did pretty good in jumps today,” said Alpena skater Lexi Gembel. “I felt like we all had pretty good performances, especially because it’s our home ice.”

MEET HIGHLIGHTS

Alpena placed third overall in Level C Low Jumps, with West MI United and Midland Area claiming the top two spots. Val Terry of Ann Arbor secured first place, followed by Chris Handt (Midland) and Hallie Wilson (Midland).

In Level C Low Moves, Alpena finished in fifth place. West MI United took first, with Midland Area and Kalamazoo rounding out the podium. Alpena also took fifth in Level C Low Spins, as Ann Arbor and Midland skaters continued to dominate.

Gembel credited Alpena’s head coach, Megan, for keeping the team motivated throughout the competition.

“My coach Megan definitely supported me a ton,” she said. “She’s really positive and always keeps us uplifted.”

Alpena also competed in the more advanced Level B Intermediate and Level A events. In Level B Intermediate Jumps, Alpena held its own in a highly competitive field led by Kalamazoo and Midland. S

imilarly, in Level B Intermediate Spins, Alpena finished among a deep pool of skaters, with Ann Arbor’s Val Terry once again topping the standings.

In Level A High Jumps, Moves, and Spins, Alpena faced elite-level competition from Kalamazoo, Traverse City, and West Michigan United, rounding out a strong showing for the team.

LOOKING AHEAD

With competitions wrapping up for the season, Alpena’s skaters are already thinking about how to improve for next year. Gembel, for one, is focused on refining her technical skills.

“I think for me, I want to work on my moves patterns for next year and definitely getting more power for my jumps and lower on my sit spins,” she said.

Beyond technical skills, she also emphasized the importance of mental preparation and confidence.

“I think another thing that I need to work on is confidence, which will definitely help my performance,” she said.