INSYNCH
after a great skate, or even a long practice. Tey are always there to support me and each other though the good and the bad.” Although being part of a team has been a
rewarding experience, Sapato has been faced with hurdles, as well. “I’ve had to overcome the stigma that the
only reason I made a team or passed a test was because I was a male,” Sapato said. “Because of this I spent more time practicing, taking extra lessons, and doing extra conditioning in order to prove that I am successful not because I am a male, but because I put in the extra work.” Michael Edzant, 19, is a member of the
Team Del Sol senior team in San Diego. With his parents’ encouragement, he decided to join a synchronized team at age 12. “I love synchro because it’s the perfect com-
At the end of its senior free skate, Team Del Sol lifted Michael Edzant.
“Te most rewarding part about being on
a synchro team is definitely all of the friends I have made,” Sapato said. “Being on a team, you automatically have a group of friends who un- derstand what you’re going through, whether it is the pre-competition nerves, or the excitement
bination of artistry and athleticism together in a team sport,” Edzant said. “I’ve learned the value of encouragement. Every team goes through dif- ficult practices throughout the year, so it’s very important to keep each other motivated.” Josh Babb was the 1999 Canadian junior ice dance champion with his sister Rebecca. After training in the U.S. for several years, Babb decided to stay in New York and begin his coaching career. Babb joined the Skyliners coaching staff about 12 years ago and has grown his synchronized skating program into one of the strongest in the country. “It has it challenges,” Babb said. “I really
enjoy the sport. I think it’s probably easier being one of the lone male coaches. I’m able to look at things from a different perspective sometimes.”
Skyliners coaches Josh Babb, Pam May and Jenny Gibson attend the 2015 French Cup.
Babb agreed that synchronized skating of-
fers athletes a great opportunity to work hard and achieve their goals. “Watching how a group of skaters can work together to achieve greatness is rewarding. Indi- vidually they wouldn’t be able to achieve it but together they can,” he said. If you are thinking about joining a synchro-
nized skating team, these men believe you will not be disappointed. “If you want to join a team, go for it,” Di-
Cola said. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else may say about you. You are in charge of your own destiny. Carpe diem.” “Go for it! Don’t worry about what other people think or say; if you love the sport then that’s all that matters. At first you may feel awk- ward but your passion for the sport will overcome any feeling of self-consciousness,” Edzant added.
T e story of your life can be a FAIRY TALE
Team up with world-class skaters in a show that warms hearts around the world!
Feld Entertainment ®
is seeking male and female skaters
for U.S. and International tours of Disney On Ice. It is your opportunity to truly shine.
Please send a skating resume, photos, a current video (3 – 6 min.) and all contact info to: Judy Thomas, Talent Director and Production Coordinator, Feld Entertainment
2001 U.S. Highway 301. Palmetto, FL 34221 USA
Phone: (941) 721-1234 Email:
jthomas@feldinc.com
SKATING 57
PHOTO BY WENDY ENZMANN
©Disney, ©Disney/Pixar
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