After three days of competition, two fireworks displays, and one giant skating party, the Olympic Regional Development Authority and the Skating Club of Lake Placid brought the 2013 Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships to a close. Approximately 2,000 synchronized skaters came to the village of Lake Placid for the competition, and competed at the Olympic Center from January 31st through February 2nd. The Championships were a qualifying event, and the teams who placed move on to the US Synchronized Skating Championships in Plymouth, Michigan from February 27 – March 1.

Approximately 150 teams participated in the Championships, from Preliminary through Senior levels, representing the Eastern section of the country. Synchronized Skating superstars the Haydenettes (Massachusetts) were absent from the Senior event due to a bye from US Figure Skating, the governing body of skating in the United States, and were preparing to take the ice in Rouen, France for The French Cup. Joining them were the Skyliners (New York), another elite team who have competed in previous Lake Placid synchronized competitions.

Even though there was only one team in the Senior category, there was stiff competition in the Junior division. The winners were the Synchroettes from the Essex Skating Club of NJ with a score of 83.17. Placing second were the Capitol Steps from the Skating Club of Northern Virginia (66.88) followed by Team Delaware of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club (63.30) in third place.

Two teams represented the local region—Open Juvenile team Rainbow Connection and Open Adult team Mystic Ice, both based in Potsdam, NY. The Rainbow Connection team placed fifth in their qualifying round, while the Mystic Ice team placed third in the final round.

Angela Gavin, a Skating Club of Lake Placid coach who also skates with the Mystic Ice team, was very pleased with her group’s performance.

“We put out our best performance to date in the medal round and came home with a bronze medal,” said Gavin. “I had a great time skating, and we have a great team…. something special always happens in Lake Placid”.

Michael Bartow, a skating coach in Potsdam and Mystic Ice team member, echoed that sentiment.

“When we took the ice for the final round, we came out with more energy, determination, and pizzazz– we left it all on the ice and left knowing we skated one of the best routines to date,” said Bartow. “Now, we prepare to return to Lake Placid for the Empire State Winter Games to show everyone why we love this sport”.

For complete results from the Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships, visit the Ice Network event page.