Oak Lawn, Ill. – The Trine University synchronized skating team traveled to Chicago this past weekend to compete at the 8th Annual Synchro Illinois Competition in the Open-Collegiate division. Since returning from winter break, the team has been gearing up for this event by focusing on cleaning up the program and improving the presentation.
"Our biggest area for improvement right now is perfecting all of the small details of the program" acknowledged Coach Rachel Franchock, "We've spent a lot of time going over each second of the program, identifying exactly where arms, heads, fingertips, toes, everything should be. It's tedious, but it's what will help our team be at their best for competition".
After arriving in Chicago, the team warmed up for a quick practice session. Their hard work on home ice afforded them a strong rehearsal with technically sound elements, speed and ample presentation. With only a few final reminders, the Thunder left practice feeling confident and ready to compete the next day.
Saturday's snowy conditions brought news that two competitors had scratched for the competition. The Thunder would now only compete against Western Michigan University and Miami University. The team prepared to compete and took the ice as the last team to skate in their flight. After a strong beginning of the program, a couple of small timing errors weakened their overall performance landing the team in 3rd place.
"While it wasn't their best skate, I am pleased with their improvement and even more proud of how they bonded with each other this trip" admitted Coach Franchock, "Our entire ride back to campus was filled with so much singing and laughter, you would have thought we'd won."
The Thunder gets back to work this week and will focus on improving performance consistency in preparation for their final competition of the season in Kalamazoo, Mich. The team will next compete at the Midwestern Sectional Championships on February 2nd against seven other Midwest schools.