In 1976 the residents and staff of the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District had the rare privilege of watching one of their community's youth skate on world-wide television as a member of the United States Olympic Team. The young man was none other than U.S. skating star David Santee, and he ultimately finished sixth at the '76 winter games. As can be imagined, the road from Park Ridge, Illinois to Innsbruck, Austria was one filled with many obstacles, yet this remarkable young man and his family overcame them all to see their dreams fulfilled.

David began his skating career at age three, enrolled in a private skating school in Park Ridge. His family, realizing his potential at age 5, nurtured David's development through private lessons. Traveling became a necessary task to accommodate lessons and practices.

In December of 1969, the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District opened its indoor ice facility, the Oakton Ice Arena. The rink was to provide public skating, instruction and practice time for hockey, figure and speed skating. This new rink in Park Ridge allowed David to develop his talents within his community, utilizing a full size rink. David was eleven years old then and within two years would become the youngest skater ever to capture the Junior Men's National Championship at age 13 under the present test system.

This cornerstone moved David into the Senior Men's division. His participation in competitions increased along with lessons and practices. His career as a figure skater developed through the next five years to be named to the U.S. Olympic team in 1976. David finished with an outstanding sixth place and a goal for the 1980 games.

The Park Ridge Recreation and Park District has recognized David and his accomplishment throughout his career. On February 15th, the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District Board of Commissioners presented resolution to David and five other community skaters recognizing their accomplishments at the 1979 National Figure Skating Championships.

Interesting, to say the least, has been the diverse activities of such an outstanding young man. David, an honors graduate of Maine South High School, participated in the Marching Band and played in the Concert and Pop Bands.

His participation in the Annual Ice Show has helped distinguish the Oakton Ice Arena as an outstanding training facility. The Ice Show was inaugurated as part of the skating program in the Ice Arena's first year. This year will be the 10th anniversary of the show and, again, David will feature a cast of over 300 skaters. Among the few skaters who have participated in all ten ice shows are David and his younger brother, Jim.

The Park Ridge Recreation and Park District and the entire community are proud of David's accomplishments. When not attending Northwestern University or skating, David can be found driving the Zamboni as part of the Ice Arena staff. Training costs can be overwhelming for families and through extreme dedication David has been able to assist with these costs through part-time employment at the Arena.

It is heartwarming to be at the rink when David is practicing. Children awaiting their lessons sit in silence as David's skates glide across the ice. The expression in the faces and the anticipation of things to come is most gratifying for any park and recreation professional who assist in the development of our youth's talents.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 17 May/June, 1979