March 5, 2020 at 1:48pm
Northbrook Park District’s Teams Elite Skaters finished an amazing season at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships with the Novice and Juvenile teams achieving their first national title wins.
Novice and Juvenile teams took the gold in the competition held February 26-29 in Providence, Rhode Island. Novice skaters, ranging in age from 13 to 17, impressed judges with their high-energy skate to “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner.
The Juvenile team, with skaters ages 9 to 12, gave a precision performance of their whimsical “Toy Solider” themed routine.
Both Novice and Juvenile also won first place at the 2020 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships January 14-19 in Wichita, Kansas.
“These were such extraordinary moments for these two teams,” said Head Coach Danielle Ostrower. “I am so proud of all our skaters and how much energy and hard work they’ve put in to make it to this level.”
Teams Elite Junior, who recently returned with a second-place win in the international Spring Cup in Milan, Italy and placed fifth overall in the French Cup in Rouen, France earlier this year, won a silver medal during the national championships.
Teams Elite Intermediate level received bronze medals at the U.S. championships. The team won gold in the midwestern competition.
Although Teams Elite’s synchronized skating season is ending for the other teams, the Junior team has one more competition—the 2020 International Skating Union World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships in Nottingham, U.K. March 13-14.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Teams Elite Junior skater Ellie Lim. “We all came together under one goal and worked so hard. I wouldn’t want to go to the World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships with any other team. This group of skaters and coaches are so talented and dedicated—we can’t wait to show the world who we are! Go Team USA!”
Founded in 1999, Teams Elite now includes eight levels. The program is open to skaters as young as 5 at the introductory Snowplow Sam level. Additional levels include Synchro Skills I, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice and Junior. Team placement is determined by age requirements and skill level through an annual tryout process.
“These achievements show the strength of the Northbrook Park District’s skating school,” said Angus Shields, Recreation Division Manager. “We’re becoming a destination for skaters in other communities because of our outstanding programs and success.”
Skaters interested in trying out for Teams Elite are encouraged to attend the free Teams Elite Open House on Sunday, March 8 at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, where they will receive an introduction into the world of synchronized skating. The event offers the opportunity for youth ages 5 to 19 to execute skills and drills to see if this sport is in their future. Registration and a $35 fee are required for tryouts.
For more information, click here or call 847-291-2993.