by Allison Caramico
At the United States Figure Skating Championships, held from Jan. 5-12 in Boston, senior James Schetelich placed ninth in the junior men competition. “When I finished my program it was probably one of, if not the very best Iʼve ever done. I told my coach “look at what I just did” and I think I”ll always remember that moment,” said Schetelich. Schetelich qualified for nationals after finishing in the top four at regionals (North Atlantic) and then placing third at sectionals (a competition against the entire East Coast) earlier this year. Schetelichʼs sectional score was also the sixth highest in the nation. Schetelich has been skating since he was five, but has not yet decided if he will continue the sport in college. “Skating is so unique. You only have a four minute opportunity to show your skills; you have to demand perfection of yourself in those four minutes. Even if you did it perfectly every time at practice, itʼs only those four minutes that count,” said Schetelich.