FMC skaters glide to victory in Williamstown |
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Reminder Publications submitted photo
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(left to right) Skaters Rebecca Pratt, Lucia Montalvo and Brittani Morgan showcased solid performances at Williams College the weekend of Jan. 22 through 24.
As the figure skaters from FMC Ice Sports' programs approached the frozen surface at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., on the weekend of Jan. 22 through 24, one emotion was clearly dominating their thoughts: excitement. These skaters were not new to competition, many had been competing at this annual competition for years, while others, who had competed in small competitions before, were taking the ice for the first time at this qualifying event. Everyone's objective was clear to do the best that they could possibly do and have fun.
The 2010 Bay State Winter Games is an Olympic-style event. Competitors from throughout Massachusetts compete in their respective sports to see who will represent their state at the 2011 National State Games of America in San Diego, Calif. Williams College has been the host of the Bay State Games for the past 25 years. FMC Skating Director for Cyr and Smead Arenas, Lisa Grundstrom Tinnirella of Wilbraham said, "It doesn't seem possible that it was 25 years ago that I attended the first annual Bay State Games with one of my students." Over the years, Tinnirella has had many competitors compete and medal in the annual competition.
The excitement began on Friday afternoon when three local skaters, who unfortunately had to compete against each other, were awarded a "Good Sportsmanship Award" Priyanka Devabaktuni of Longmeadow placed fourth to her friends and fellow FMC skaters, Mary Kate Grow, who took home the bronze, and Haley Ketrinchek, who took home the gold.
It didn't stop there, in the next event, East Longmeadow resident Heather Morton skated her way to the gold medal with a beautiful artistic program. FMC coach Tylar Suckau said, "As a skater myself, I never realized how nerve-wracking it is to stand helplessly by the wall watching your student perform. At least as a skater, you have control over the situation. However, it really is rewarding when that skater takes home the gold."
On Saturday, the excitement continued when Chicopee resident Lucia Montalvo skated her way to a bronze medal finish. Montalvo, who is certainly not new to the competitive scene, said, "It's exciting to be going back to State Games in 2011."
Later that afternoon, Springfield resident and FMC coach Brittani Morgan won a bronze medal, and it didn't stop there either. The last skater of the evening was Longmeadow resident and FMC coach Rebecca Pratt. She skated a beautiful program and took home a gold medal. All three ladies have attended and medaled in past National State Games and will now be given an opportunity to compete for Massachusetts in the summer of 2011 in San Diego.
The final day of competition had five local FMC skaters still waiting to skate. The day started off strong with Heather Morton taking home another gold medal in her second event of the weekend. Springfield resident Sara Jane Meak, who is fairly new to competitive skating, also earned a gold medal. Priyanka Devabaktuni took home the silver medal in her second event of the weekend, while fellow FMC skater Mary Kate Grow took home another bronze medal. Shelby Morissette of Springfield, while unable to medal in her event, was awarded a Good Sportsmanship Award.
FMC coach Kathy Piteo said, "I am very proud of the achievements of the FMC skaters. It is nice to see their hard work pay off."
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