Timeline

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These are just a few highlights of the history of the Ice Chalet. For more details and photos, check out the book, “Robert Unger: Something for Everyone” published in 2019.

Ice Chalet Timeline

2019
2019

50 Years of Something for Everyone!

The 50th Annual Robert Unger ISI Competition was celebrated (May 3-5).  A biography of Robert Unger (with a brief history of the Ice Chalet) was published under the title, “Robert Unger: Something for Everyone.”
2018
2018

A Resurgence of Figures; Shipstad Family Honored

The World Figure Sport Society held its first workshop at the Ice Chalet; At the WFS Championships in Vail, Colorado, Ice Chalet teacher Mary Lu Shipstad and her family were recognized for their contributions to ice skating. The ISI Theatrical Challenge was held at the Ice Chalet.
2017
2017

Larry LaBorde Leads the Way!

Larry LaBorde named ISI’s “Man of the Year” for the second time. The “Larry LaBorde Award for Exceptional Merit” was established – first recipient: Jonathan Shelton.
2016
2016

Open Year-Round!

Extensive ice floor renovation made it possible for the Ice Chalet to remain open year-round. The skating school was renamed “The Robert Unger and Larry LaBorde School of Ice Skating.”
2014
2014

Resurfacing Goes Electric!

Longtime staff member and Pro Shop Director Gregory Fuller helped the Ice Chalet Skating Club purchase the rink’s first electric Zamboni. Computer-controlled lighting installed to enhance shows and spotlight events.
2013
2013

Robert Unger Trophy Comes Home!

Larry LaBorde became the primary shareholder of Chalet Ice Rinks, Inc. The Ice Chalet team won the ISI Winter Classic competition in Oxford, Ohio, and brought home the permanent “Robert Unger Trophy.” First Annual ProSkaters East Coast Auditions and Performance Camp held at the Ice Chalet. Pro Skating Historical Foundation’s..Read More
2012
2012

Celebrating 50 Years!

In July, the Ice Chalet kicked off a year-long 50th Anniversary celebration.
2010
2010

A Real Pro Shop!

Ice Chalet Pro Shop built.
2009
2009

MVDC Becomes Robert Unger ISI Competition

MVDC was renamed the Robert Unger ISI Competition.  RUMPS merged with the Ice Chalet Skating Club of Knoxville. The engine room was expanded to allow room for additional compressors given to the Ice Chalet by longtime friend Bill Howard, who owned the Holiday Ice Rink in North Carolina.
2007
2007

Saying Goodbye to Robert Unger

Robert Unger team won the Robert Unger Trophy as champions of the ISI Winter Classic competition in Oxford, Ohio. Robert Unger passed away in September.
2005
2005

Curling at the Ice Chalet!

First Rocky Top Open Bonspiel held at the Ice Chalet, hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains Curling Club.
2004
2004

Special Olympics and Special Recognition!

First “Skate-a-thon” held to benefit the Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville and the skating club. “Robert Unger Award for Excellence” established. “Hans Brinker Noble Spirit Award” established. IceHawks logo designed by Julia Hardin.
2003
2003

Ice Chalet Recreational Skating Evolves

Non-profit “Ice Chalet Skating Club of Knoxville” established to support recreational skating.
2002
2002

A Little More Light…

Early 2000s… Windows were gradually added along the wall close to Kingston Pike.
2002

Entrance Logo & Lake Placid Victory!

Graphic depiction of the Ice Chalet’ iconic main entrance was created by Julia Hardin, bringing Larry LaBorde’s vision to life. The Robert Unger team won the ISI Lake Placid Competition, again.
1999
1999

Cafe Chalet Opens!

Cafe Chalet opened — initially operated by parents to help raise funds for competition travel expenses.
1998
1998

Honoring Chambliss & Ruth Pierce

The Pierce Award was established to honor Chambliss and Ruth Pierce; the award is presented to the top team at the annual MVDC. Robert Unger received the inaugural Benton Wilcoxon Award for Excellence in Management from the ISIA.
1996
1996

Larry LaBorde!

Skating School logo — a colorful rendering of Mr. Unger’s trademark alpine/tyrolean hat — designed by Patty Googe. Larry LaBorde was named ISIA “Man of the Year.”
1992
1992

Lighting Was Just the Beginning…

“Crow’s Nest” lighting control room built.
1991
1991

Early 1990s

The Nutcracker On Ice show was presented in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, as a means of bringing together teams from other rinks. Viewing rooms were built in the far corner of the Ice Chalet.
1989
1989

Ich Beobachte Dich!

Reunion held at the Ice Chalet – celebrated as the 25th, even though it was actually the 27th year.  “27” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as “25.”  Bust of Mr. Unger presented to him is still in the lobby of the Ice Chalet with the caption: “Ich..Read More
1988
1988

Peter Oppegard Honored

A reception at the Ice Chalet for renowned skater Peter Oppegard, a student of Mr. Unger’s, was presided over by Mayor Victor Ashe.
1987
1987

“Nutcracker On Ice” First Performed!

The Robert Unger School first performed the “Nutcracker On Ice” show downtown on Market Square Mall.  Celebrating its 25th year in 2012, the Nutcracker has become a official part of Knoxville’s Christmas in the City celebration.
1985
1985

RUMPS and a Panda Bear

KAISA became RUMPS — Robert Unger Moms and PopS — organized by Pat Kington. The mascot of the Robert Unger skating school was a panda bear.
1984
1984

Parents Organize to Help

A group of parents formed the “Knoxville Amateur Ice Skating Association”(KAISA) to help raise funds for out of town competitions — its first President was Snuffy Trotter.
1983
1983

Students Excel Around the World

Jon Robinson became the first male skater in the world (fourth overall) to compete at the ISIA’s highest level, Freestyle 10.  He was also a member of the ISIA’s first World Team, which performed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Donnie Ernst joined the team for a repeat visit in 1984).
1982
1982

Robert Unger’s Reputation Soars

Robert Unger was named ISIA “Man of the Year” for the second time for his work in revising the ISIA test and competition standards and for his leadership in recreational skating competitions.
1978
1978

That’s a Lot of Skaters!

MVDC had 600 competitors representing 17 teams from nine states.
1977
1977

Another First!

MVDC became the first international ISIA recreational skating competition with 20 competitors from Ontario, Canada.
1973
1973

Robert Unger Leads the Way

Robert Unger named ISIA “Man of the Year” for his leadership in developing the learn-to-skate program and inter-rink competitions.
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