University Park

Penn State People: Chris Whittemore keeps Penn State on ice

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. --  A normal day at the Penn State ice rink can start at dawn. By the time the rink is ready to close in the evening it can easily be past midnight. Ice rink manager Chris Whittemore and his staff keep the facility running, the ice ready, and the variety of events, public sessions, practices and hockey games that use the ice daily organized and scheduled seven days a week. Whittemore has led the capable staff at the Penn State ice rink for 11 years. Their goal is simple, but it keeps them busy: Provide a smooth sheet of ice for Penn Staters and the community to enjoy year-round.

Whittemore oversees a staff of five full-time employees and a part-time staff that includes more than 20 Penn State students. All take part in operating the facility, running the snack bar, managing public skating sessions, skate sharpening and driving the Zamboni. Some of Whittemore's student employees also participate in supporting and coaching youth hockey and figure skating. Visit http://live.psu.edu/flickrset/72157627873684465 to view photos of Whittemore and the staff at the Penn State ice rink.

The ice rink staff are looking forward to the construction of the new Pegula Ice Arena, slated to open in 2013. The new facility will include two regulation ice sheets. Whittemore explains, "It will offer more ice time to the University and regional community and although our hockey programs will get more exposure in the future, the new arena also will benefit the casual skaters as well as figure skaters and instructors." For now, Whittemore and the crew at the rink will continue to keep the existing ice smooth and ready for skaters of all ages. Go to http://www.athletics.psu.edu/rec/icerink/ for more information about the Penn State ice rink.

Have an idea for a Penn State People profile? Send the information to Patrick Mansell at pxm16@psu.edu and be sure to include your contact information as well as the name, title and contact information for the potential profile subject.

Rink manager Chris Whittemore. To view photos of Whittemore and his staff, click on the image above. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated November 30, 2011

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