INSYNCH
Team North Dakota
Starcatchers On the rise! by LESLIE GRAHAM Synchronized skating continues to be the
fastest-growing discipline within U.S. Figure Skating. Characterized by teamwork, speed, in- tricate formations and challenging step sequenc- es, synchronized skating is a sport in which eight to 20 skaters perform a program together. For many years, most of the teams came
from figure skating clubs in the Michigan and New England areas. Over the years, however, new teams have been forming all over the coun- try. While many of these teams are established through a Basic Skills program, some begin when a group of skaters wish to practice and compete together. As new teams continue to dot the syn- chronized skating landscape, skaters have more opportunities to participate in this fun and re- warding discipline. Below are five new synchronized skating
programs. Just like them, you can form a new team! If you are interested in learning more about synchronized skating or how to start a team in your area, email me at lgraham@usfigureskating. org.
Team North Dakota GRAND FORKS, N.D.
Team North Dakota launched its synchro-
nized skating team in 2012 with nine team mem- bers and coach Mallory Olson. In its first campaign the team participated in noncompetitive events, focusing on gaining exposure and interest in the surrounding skating community. Te following season the team’s roster grew
to 15, with new skaters coming from three area colleges: University of North Dakota, Northland Technical and Community College and Univer- sity of Minnesota Moorhead. It also marked the team’s first competitive season in the open col- legiate ranks, with its debut at the Maplewood Synchronized Skating Classic in December of 2013; the team placed first. Team North Dakota went on to compete at
52 DECEMBER 2014
the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Champi- onships and placed second. Tis season skater Jenna Goecke has joined
Olson on the coaching staff. Goals for the team include improving its skills and strength, while executing the more difficult elements. Te team would like to someday compete in the collegiate division at the U.S. Championships and possibly expand into two teams.
Starcatchers LAUREL RIDGE SKATING CLUB, SHELTON, CONN.
Te Starcatchers evolved from a learn-to-
skate synchronized skating class in 2012. A few months after the class started, it was
invited to perform in an exhibition during a lo- cal hockey game. Tat opportunity sparked more interest and participation, and a clinic and tryout were held in an effort to field competitive teams. Te Starcatchers’ preliminary and open
juvenile teams formed for the 2012–13 season. Season highlights included a fun trip to Lake Placid, N.Y., for the 2013 Eastern Synchronized Sectional and a memorable journey to Boston to watch the 2013 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. In their second season, the Starcatchers added a beginner 3 team. Te preliminary team achieved a milestone when it qualified for the championship round at the 2014 Eastern Sec- tional Championships by placing fourth in the qualifying round. Lauren Magliola, Raymond Mark Magliola
and Suzanne Flynn Guy coach the teams. While Lauren and Suzanne competed on synchronized skating teams, Mark draws from his experience as an ice dancer. For the 2014–2015 season, the Starcatchers will field beginner 1, preliminary and pre-juve- nile teams; many of the skaters who skated at the first exhibition are members of the pre-juvenile team.
Star Lit Blades SALT LAKE CITY
Te combined efforts of coaches Ellie Kara-
mati Nielsen, Kelly Cassity, Caitlin Davis and Caitlin Ross have helped to form a competitive synchronized skating program that includes skat- ers from several area clubs. Te coaches coordinated various beginner and learn-to-skate teams for a few years before combining to create one competitive team at the open juvenile level in 2013. Tis team has since taken off and grown. A preliminary team was also established in January of 2014 and has since evolved into a pre-juvenile team. Tis season the Star Lit Blades tout two
open juvenile teams and a pre-juvenile team. In addition, they have a beginner synchronized skat- ing class and a group of adults that skate together on a show team. Star Lit Blades is independent in order to accommodate skaters from all over the valley and from different clubs. Teir teams have performed at many shows and events, and are working to raise money to skate at the sectional and national levels.
Te Star Lit Blades’ goal is to increase each
team’s skill level, continue to test and compete in synchronized skating. Te organization plans to take one open juvenile team to the 2015 Pacific Coast Synchronized Sectional in Edina, Minn., this year, with the goal of skating well and meet- ing other teams from around the United States. Te Star Lit Blades strive to offer an opportunity for skaters to continue skating and competing, both individually and as part of a team, while still working on individual skating, tests and skills.
Teams Elite NORTHBROOK, ILL.
Northbrook Sports Center began the Teams
Elite program in 1999 to bring the team concept to a sport that had focused on singles and pairs.
Star Lit Blades
New teams sprouting up all over country
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