Everyone gets along great, and it shows in our performances. Welch, a former nurse and mother of five, was on the first team that formed in 1979. She has been coaching since she graduated from UD with a nursing degree in 1978. Deppe, who teaches second grade at Wilson Elementary School near Newark, joined the team as a student in 1984 and was drafted to coach when she graduated with a degree in elementary education in 1989. Both coaches are U.S. Figure Skating Association gold medallists and certified national precision coaches.
Synchronized skaters perform in a circle, a block, a line and in formations called wheels.
They also must learn to weave in between each other in intricate patterns. Judges look for a well-balanced program, for its degree of difficulty and how original and innovative it is, Welch said. Team members are encouraged to make suggestions for music and costuming, the coaches said. This year the team wore lavender costumes designed by member Jessica Mulzer, AS 2002. This spring, returning members of the Precisionaires will begin work on the program for next year.