Nestled against the 215 freeway at Barton Road lies Cal Skate Grand Terrace. For decades it has been home to good old fashioned roller skating fun for young and old alike. Many people know of the rink as the place they go to for a birthday party or school fundraiser. For some it is the place their church group visits on Christian music night, or a place for kids to hang out on the weekends with friends. This rink, however, is also the home training facility for a group of world-class athletes.
The Academy of Champions artistic figure skating club practices at Cal Skate 5 days a week. Just like ice figure skating, these young athletes spin and jump in beautifully choreographed routines and compete for medals which include regional, national, and world competitions. Lead by head coach and former skating champion, Lori Becker, the entire troupe of skaters regularly brings back medals in a variety of events and age categories.
Four members of this group, Chance Becker, Kalei Becker, Nicole Fields and Evie Berg will skate as part of Team USA in the World Roller Games in Barcelona, Spain in July. From the small town of Grand Terrace, the four will shine on the world stage and vie for a medal against skaters from dozens of other countries. It is the glorious climax to a remarkable skating season.
When they return from Spain next month, it will be business as usual. Practices run several hours a day, around school schedules. The coaching staff will be teaching beginners the basics of skating in their CSU lesson program so they can enjoy the public sessions. These competitive skaters will begin building routines for next season. The booster club will seek sponsorships and fundraisers to be able to fulfill another season of amazing skating accomplishments. Currently unsponsored, the group is self-funded and raises all of its own money to pay for the extensive travel costs to compete. This week, Cal Skate family, friends and fans simply wish them all the best as they represent the home town of Grand Terrace. To find out more about the rink programs, the skating club, or how to sponsor the athletes, please contact Cal Skate at (909) 422-9565 or coach Lori Becker at (909) 353-8881.