An Interview with Ryan Hunka
1992 US Junior Men's Champion
By Sylvia Rodemeyer
Ryan Hunka has already accomplished
more on the ice and behind the scenes then most people
involved in figure skating could ever aim to. Over the
course of his career he won two National titles (junior
and novice) and was a member of three World Junior
Teams.
His competitive experience set him
up well for nine years of show skating, and for his
duties as President and CEO of Creative Innovations
Intl. Inc. and Miracle Management Corporation.
Now Hunka brings his knowledge to
the newly created Major League Figure Skating. MLFS's
intent is to provide a venue for skaters at all levels
to develop their skills under a team format. Hunka
became involved in this new organization because;
"I feel it is important to give back as much as I
can to the sport and those coming up in the ranks. The
sport has given me so much and so many opportunities
that I would not have normally had."
With his and other's involvement
MLFS hopes to support another branch of skating that is
not currently spotlighted in typical USFSA and ISI
competitions. As Ryan says. "We are designed to
compliment the existing sport of figure skating as well
as broaden it."
In addition to the competitive
aspect, MLFS plans to offer fundraising opportunities
for local figure skating clubs who participate in their
team's, and as most figure skaters are aware; money is
always an issue in this sport. So by fundraising, more
people will be able to afford to participate in skating.
The team relationship has been
something missing in skating- which exists as basically
a solo sport. When a skater is in a competition, what
they do on the ice is all that matters, therefore there
is often a competitiveness between skaters. With team
competitions, MLFS will promote cooperation in its'
participants. As word continues to spread, it seems
the public has began to take notice. "The interest
is there and the demand is there. It is fun to see the
excitement continue to build as MLFS continues to
grow." Hunka states.
Though only in it's initial stages,
Major League Figure Skating has already gained
significant backing. With enthusiastic organizers like
Ryan Hunka, MLFS could go far. "I am so happy that
my life lead me to skating. Through my personal journey
in skating as a competitor, performer, and now producer,
I want to offer my knowledge and energy for the benefit
of the sport. Major League Figure Skating is something
that will bring a joy to figure skating and excitement
to the World of Sports. MLFS has arrived. It is here to
stay. I am very pleased to be a part of it."
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