PARMA - Padua Franciscan High School’s Figure Skating Team won the Ohio High School Team Figure Skating Championship on Sunday at Thornton Park in Shaker Heights. They claimed their 10th state title in school history. (Past championship years include: 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2008.)
This year in addition to winning overall first place, Padua also took first place in the Production Ensemble event, in which teams of eight or more skaters performed a themed group number. The team performed to music from Mamma Mia. The numbers are judged on illustration of character, music interpretation, costuming and audience appeal.
Overall, the Lady Bruins won 38 medals in 46 events. The girls earned 19 gold medals, 12 silver and 7 bronze. Padua’s top high school skaters were Alexis Martin ’24, Vivian Gabbard ’22, and Ava Schmidt ’25. Their top middle school skaters were Addalyn Schmidt ’27 and Abbey Kubit ’26. “I am so incredibly proud of all of the girls for their hard work,” said senior co-captain Emily Cole ’22. “So much goes into the routines that go unnoticed behind the scenes such as props, music editing, costume changes, etc., and it’s just so rewarding to watch it all come together.” Padua’s head coach is Alex (Miranda) Babb ’11.
The assistant coaches Allison (Margevicius) Vega ’10 and Alexis (Hipkins) Flinn ’10 have been part of the successful program, since its inception in 2007, along with team manager Lori Margevicius.