2008 Eastern Synchronized Team Skating Sectional Championships

This morning was pretty good for us. For those who traveled last night, we got to sleep in, which for synchro is very good. Unfortunately for the pre-juv team, they had to leave for the rink by 5 am for practice ice.

We were well rested and ready to go for off ice practice at the hotel at 9 am for about an hour and a half. Off ice is a huge part of synchro. We get a lot of work done on head and arm movements and the "synchronized" part of synchro. I know that sounds silly, but trying to have 15 people look like one really is a difficult thing to do.

After repeating certain sections over and over again, we got a break while our hair was put up into a tighter than average bun. Mariah, a fellow teammate, is our main hair person who is excellent at hair, along with Jamye and Paula (our coaches). We also painted our nails black for the perfect, complete look.

Karen McClure, one of our team moms and member of the adult team, coordinated an early lunch for us before we headed to the rink for our practice ice.

Before we got on the ice we did a lot more drilling of the program. Our practice ice went pretty well, but some of us were a little too nervous. We stayed to watch a few of the teams we’re going to compete against. When we got back to the hotel, we watched our practice ice, which Suzie, our team manager, had recorded. Just like in other sports, we learn a lot by seeing the video.

We were starving again so we went to dinner as a team and then had some team activities. In synchro, it’s a tradition to decorate the hotel room doors for your teammates. On four teams we have 47 skaters, so this takes a while for us. We had a lot of fun with some silly games, but it’s time to settle in for bed. Tomorrow will be a long day.

Renee

The big day!

Wake up was at 7:30, which is not so bad, but the pre-juv team was up even earlier again. We went to watch them skate, and they were great! They placed 5th, which means they move on to the final round tomorrow! As soon as they finished we headed back to the hotel.

We went to another local rink for more practice, then back for hair and make up. Chrissy got to do the eyeliner, which Jamye always does, and it looked fantastic! Jamye and Paula had to leave with the adult team, so we were on our own for off ice. It went really well, and then it was back to the rink to cheer on the adults. They also had an awesome skate and placed 6th.

And then it was our turn. Can you guess what came next? Off ice – a bunch of off ice. We got really pumped while we waited in the locker room and had a great skate. Our score was 11 points higher than the last time, which is awesome! We didn’t qualify for Nationals, but we had a blast!

After dinner, it was all about relaxing. Our hotel has an indoor pool, and we took full advantage. All the pressure was gone so we could just hang out and enjoy being together. That’s the best part of being on a team. The day took a lot out of all of us – our parents included.

The coaches stayed at the rink because the collegiate team had a late night practice. I really don’t know how they just keep on going, but I’m headed for the pillow.

Renee

The day after…we slept in. But the pre-juvs weren’t finished yet, and the collegiates were still waiting their turn. I remember when our team had to skate in a qualifying round and then a final round. Even though it sounds like a short time, those 2 minutes take a ton of work. One of the pre-juvs, Amelia, got up really early to take the SAT before they skated! Jamye did most of her hair and make up before she left, so she went to the test like that! Skating hair and make up is not exactly what you would wear to the mall. Way to take one for the team, Amelia.

Both the pre-juv and collegiate teams skated awesome programs. It was fun for us to be able to relax and just cheer them on. Some people headed home, but others stuck around. We were so tired, but we stayed until the very end (around 11:15) to watch the juniors and seniors. Their skating is just amazing. It’s worth every minute.

I’m finally settled in around midnight. Thank goodness the trip home will be a quick one. Usually we have to fly to Sectionals, so it takes at least half the day to get home on Sunday. I’ll be glad to be back, but I hear Jamye and Paula have already started on next year. I’m taking a nap first!

Renee