Through the changing seasons, SCHS students can find comfort in the seasonal sports that they participate in. Although the competitive seasons are not year round and can require special conditions, many athletes train yearly to ensure they are prepared for each contest.
During the winter months, ice skating is often a popular way to spend time on a date, friend hangout or for sporting activities. Junior figure skater Natalie Vo, who skates at the local Sharks Ice at San Jose rink, encourages all with an interest in competitions to put on skates and get out on the ice.
“Don’t be afraid to try it,” Vo said. “Even if it’s recreational and not as professional as other people. It is fun, and it should be fun. You shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the idea of going pro.”
With a competitive season in the spring, senior rowing athlete Satveka Salgaocar is looking to get back into her groove after using the off season to work on college applications. Salgaocar started rowing in seventh grade and encourages those interested in the sport to be prepared for the intense training schedule.
“Be dedicated and stay committed,” Salgaocar said. “When you get home at like, 8:30 (p.m.), you have to shower, eat and everything. It really teaches you more time management, and you have to get all your work done, go to sleep.”
When it comes to skating, Vo expressed her opportunity to continue skating at the collegiate level. Although she understands that may end her competitive skating career, she appreciates the opportunities and experiences she has right now.
“I know I won’t have the time to (go pro), so just doing more competitions and more shows because I see myself not doing as well once I’m older,” Vo said. “It is hard doing skating once you’re older, so I want to enjoy it as much as I can now and develop a good relationship with it before it goes downhill.”
Skiing has also become popular among SCHS students. Inspired by his father at a young age, senior Dylan Ng developed an interest in the sport at a young age. As he has got older, Ng has seen significant development in his skills, especially on harder tracks.
“Every single time you go skiing, you have to relearn how to ski, especially with rentals, where all skis are slightly different, how long they are, and how well maintained they are,” Ng said. “It’s a bit hard to get better at that but I mean, the more you go, the better you’re going to be. Definitely over the past few years, I’ve been improving.”
To anyone interested in ice skating at a competitive level, Vo warns about the cost, which includes outfits, gear and lessons.
“Our skates do break down really easily, and they’re really expensive,” Vo said. “Every once in a while, I buy new ones. My last pair of skates lasted me two years, but I was pushing it. Every year or two I’ve got new skates, and that’s a lot of money dropped on that.”
As a part of a synchronized skating group, Vo works to prepare for big competitions during the summer and more casual shows during the winter. During her years of training, she has formed a strong connection with her teammates.
“I see them often because they also train at the same times as me,” Vo said. “I’m really close with them. I see them as super close friends and people I would be friends with long term.”
Vo is also a member of the cheer team at SCHS. Her experience on the team has helped support some of her skills when it comes to figure skating.
“Being flexible is really big because you can use that to your advantage in cheer,” Vo said. “It helps you with stunts and stuff like that. There’s a lot of dancing in cheer, and there’s not a ton in skating, but you also have to be graceful and connect all the movements.”
Salgaocar explained that her practice schedule is six days a week with some practices starting as early as 5:30 a.m. Despite the sacrifices she has to make, Salgaocar appreciates the benefits she receives from the challenges, especially the connections she makes with her teammates.
“It’s a really good way to hold me accountable for my fitness as well,” Salgaocar said. “When I’m rowing, I pay attention to what I’m eating a lot more. I also like being around my teammates because everyone goes to different schools, so you have so many different people that you can meet there.”