State Park Surprise - Speed Skating

You never know what you'll find at beautiful Bay City State Park campground

September 16, 2007
By: Stephen Kent

It can be surprising what you find that the Bay City State Park. Last Saturday a drive through to look for campsites came upon speed skaters having an organized race around the large brick shower facility in the center of the park. The Sonic Jets Speed Skating Team was holding their first annual end of summer camping trip and race!

The event was sponsored by Sonic Skate in Essexville as a way to kick off he season and get skaters back together after the summer break. Bad weather during the week hurt attendance from out of town teams, but it the event was still a real success. "We hope to make this an annual event" said Sonic Skate owner Don Hilliker.

Sonic Skate has an active speed skating program and competes around the state. "We've gone to Detroit, Kentwood, Mt. Morris, and Hillsdale" said Hilliker. "Our teams are probably at the beginner level but getting better. We have over 170 names on our list and probably 50 people who compete at some level". Speed skating is an international sport. Two of the coaches at Sonic Skate have competed and won at the national level and one goes to world events.

The speed skating team practices three times a week at Sonic Skate. "The age range is from two years old to over sixty" said Hilliker. Sonic offers a range of skating opportunities. Sonic is located at 702 W. Center road in Essexville. For more information visit their web site at www.SonicSkate.com. You can also call (989) 892-2912.


Six year old Devon Hilliker demonstrates the "Crab Race" style that he is credited with inventing.

---