February 4, 2011

Rochester, MN – The Silver Stars Synchronized Skating Team, representing the St. Moritz Ice Skating Club, took first place in the Pacific Coast Sectionals, the highest level competition for this Pre-Juvenile team.  Five teams competed for the title, which took place early Friday morning, Februray 4, 2011, in snowy Rochester, Minnesota.

As the Silver Stars took the ice and prepared for their warmup lap, the small parent contingency rocked the stadium with their clanking cowbells and “S-I-L-V-E-R” cheer.  Finishing the warmup lap, the skaters prepared to take their starting position. Silence suddenly reigned. As they took their positions, a loud cry of “We love you!” echoed through the still arena.

The team skated to “Once Upon a December” from the movie Anastasia.  With the first graceful notes, the Silver Stars elegantly transitioned from balletic arm movements into a circle with complicated footwork. 

The audience tangibly held their breath as a slight break occurred in the circle, but it was quickly closed with no interruption of the flow of the program.  Without stopping, the skaters reversed direction and performed a steady and swiftly moving traveling circle.

The remainder of the program was completed without error.  A traveling wheel just over halfway through the program moved with impressive speed and shape.  As they approached their finale, the skaters formed a solid line, broke into two, and two spiral lines glided to a graceful stop.

The crowd erupted.  Coaches, parents, and fans recognized a possible gold medal performance.  But this was figure skating, and in the end, it always comes down to the judges.

Said Jean Fahmie, SMISC Vice President and Membership Chair, who was at the competition to perform the duties of Accountant for other events, “Well, I knew who I thought deserved first place, but the judges never ask the accountants!  The Silver Stars had by far the most difficult program.”

Back in the stands, now wearing team travel jackets, the skaters watched the next event and nervously awaited the results.  Finally, it was announced that the final standings of the Pre-Juvenile competition would be next.

The results began with fourth place, the South Suburban Stars from Colorado.  The tension was palpable.  Third place, Fire Crystals, also from Colorado. Now the moment of truth…would they be first or second?  Would Epic Edge, from La Jolla and always a strong competitor, grab the gold away from them?

“The Silver Medalists…”, said the announcer, to a perfectly still arena, “from the La Jolla Figure Skating Club…”. Cautious screams began to erupt from the Silver Stars, as they realized the only positions not announced were fifth, which is not a medaled position, and first. 

“And our gold medalists, from the St. Moritz Figure Skating Club…” The rest of the announcement was drowned in screams and cheers.  Parents, coaches, and skaters cried and hugged.  Coaches Liana Martin and Laura Erle wiped tears from their eyes as they hastily pulled out cell phones to tell relatives the good news. 

This was a remarkable day for a team that shows tremendous promise for the future.  What’s next? Quipped coach Laura Erle, “I’m going to Disneyland!”