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The Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team members competed in separate events in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Stamford, Conn. on December 3-4 and then followed that competition with a visit to Bourne, Mass. this past weekend to compete in the Cape Cod Synchronized Skating Classic.
The eight Skyliners' lines were separated by geography, but each competition resulted in gold medal performances by the Junior, Pre-Juvenile, and Preliminary lines.
The Junior line earned the title of Champion at Dr. Porters Synchronized Skating Championship in Ann Arbor, Mich., finishing first in both the short and long programs, earning top honors in the long program, clinching the championship in a competition that attracted both top national and international competitors.
I couldnt ask for anything more from our skaters, said Josh Babb, Skyliners' head coach and director of synchronized skating. They continue to work hard and skate beautifully at these pressure packed events. It was especially satisfying to see the Junior line claim victory against a tough, international field.
The Intermediate and Novice both earned silver medals in their divisions, with the Novice line narrowly missing gold by less than half a point at Dr. Porters. The Senior team, in their competitive debut, skated to fourth place in both the short and long programs, earning them the pewter medal. This is an amazing accomplishment for a team that has been skating together for only 5 months, in the sports most advanced division.
The Skyliners younger lines stayed closer to home and competed in the Terry Conners Synchronized Skating Open in Stamford, Conn. The Skyliners' Preliminary line brought home the gold medal and the Pre Preliminary line, earned fifth place out of nine teams in a very competitive division.
The Pre-Juvenile line brought home yet another gold medal for the Skyliners in a 13-team field, while The Juvenile line, with a very strong skate, earned the silver medal, rounding out the weekends medal count at seven.
Skyliners at Cape Cod Classic
Without missing a stroke, the Skyliners travelled to Bourne, Mass. Dec. 9-10 to compete in the Cape Cod Synchronized Skating Classic. The seven lines competed against tough competition from all over the northeast, earning four gold medals, three silver and a bronze as the Junior and Preliminary lines remained undefeated for the competitive season.
The Junior line received top marks in both the short and long programs and their score of 100.28, was a season high as the looks towards the Junior World Qualifier in early January.
Also earning gold was the Skyliners Juvenile line which competed against the two other top teams in the Eastern Section and earned straight first place marks from the judges to bring home the gold.
We are very proud of the girls and thrilled that all of their hard work is paying off, Juvenile Head Coach Natalie Martello (and Assistant Coach Celeste Cote) said. After a bit of a shaky start, the Juvenile line is ready for some strong skates in the second half of the season."
The Skyliners' Preliminary line remained undefeated by claiming victory in the Preliminary A division and earning unanimous first place marks. The Pre Preliminary line, competing in the Preliminary B division took the bronze. Rounding out the medal count were the Novice, Intermediate and Pre Juvenile lines, all earning silver medals in their division.
The Skyliners will be practicing throughout the holidays to prepare for their next competition, the Colonial Synchronized Skating Classic in early January. This event is especially important to the Junior line, with results leading to qualifying for the Junior World Challenge Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March, 2012.
Visit the Skyliners at www.skylinerssynchro.com to learn more about this successful team.
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