Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Trine University's synchronized skating team wrapped up their inaugural season over the weekend on a high note and made school history by bringing home the Thunder's first championship medal in the sport, the Pewter.
"I am incredibly proud of our athletes' performance this weekend," beamed Coach Rachel Franchock, "Many teams falter under the pressure of a championship competition but our team stayed focused on executing the same program we have been practicing day in and day out on home ice. Our goal was simply to put out the best performance we were capable of and that is exactly what we did."
The team competed in a very competitive flight of eight teams, many of which come from established programs and have skaters who have been skating together for several seasons. While Trine's team is comprised of all freshman this year, they did not let their inexperience deter their success. In fact, the team finished on the podium at three out of four competitions this season.
"We've had a truly spectacular first season," said Franchock, "We are all excited to use this positive energy to keep strengthening and growing. We still have a lot of work to do to reach all of our goals."
The Thunder will continue off-season training through the end of the semester and will have their annual recruitment weekend on April 6-7. Prospective skaters can register for the event online at https://secure.trine.edu/trine/skating/.
Final Standings for Midwestern Championship Open-Collegiate Division
- Adrian College
- Miami University
- University of Michigan
- Trine University
- Western Michigan University
- Grand Valley State
- Ohio University
- Northwestern University