News Archive

October 6, 2003
U.S. Speedskating Makes Developmental Home At Pettit

The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S. Olympic Training Facility, has a new tenant in the United States Speedskating Development Office. The office, an arm of U.S. Speedskating, focuses on everything from coaching education to the recruitment, retention and training of skaters of all ages and abilities – from their first strides in speed skates until they take their place on the U.S. National team.

"U.S. Speedskating is excited to house our Development Office at the Pettit National Ice Center. It seems like a perfect fit and a win-win situation for all involved,” said Katie Marquard, Executive Director of U.S. Speedskating. “It is a great opportunity to work more closely with this premier facility. We anticipate solidifying our relationship with the Pettit Center and enhancing our use of the facility as we move forward."

Along with the Development Office, the Pettit will continue to provide a home base for the U.S. Junior National Team and Midwest Regional Coach Mike Witty, who oversees skaters training at the Pettit on a year-round daily basis. Those skaters are at the entry level of the high performance program and working towards a berth on the Senior National Team. The Senior Team is the squad that competes in many top-level meets including the Winter Olympics. The Regional Coaching Program, the Junior National Team and the Development Office are key pieces in the expansion of the sport of speed skating in the United States.

"This step is a natural extension of the Pettit's role in the sport as one of the top centers for speed skating in the world. You have great long track, short track and lodging facilities; plus coaches, clubs, officials and event volunteers who are experts at running everything from a novice fun meet to world championships,” says Carl Cepuran, U.S. Speedskating’s Development Coordinator. “This area has a history and tradition of success with many past, present and future Olympians who live in Milwaukee, not to mention a wide range of education and career options. We're delighted to increase our presence here and hope it benefits the sport and the local community."

The Development Office’s new location affirms the Pettit’s place as a prime haven for U.S. Speedskating, even with the National Team housed in Salt Lake. The U.S. has had skaters training at the Pettit since it’s inception in 1993 and on the same site since 1967 at the former outdoor Wisconsin Olympic Oval.

“Even more so with this exciting new relationship with U.S. Speedskating, the Pettit Center will continue to produce champions – and provide an Olympic experience for skaters of all disciplines,” said Cindy Yomantas, Executive Director of the Pettit Center.

Contact: Rob Multerer
Director of Marketing
Pettit National Ice Center
414.266.0100, ext. 132
rmulterer@thepettit.com