Starlights Synchronized Skaters Strike Gold, Bronze and Pewter in Ann Arbor

Michigan's ice rinks are becoming proving grounds for the Buffalo Grove-based Starlights Synchronized Skating teams. Fresh off last month's strong start to the competitive synchronized skating season in Kalamazoo, three Starlights teams brought home medals from the 17th Annual Porter Classic in Ann Arbor – one of the sport's most prominent events featuring teams throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The Starlights Preliminary Team won first place gold medals performing in red and white dresses to the music of “Annie.” The team is now 2-for-2 in medals this season – earning 3rd place bronze medals in their season opening competition in Kalamazoo.

Skaters on the Starlights Senior Team came home with bronze medals after securing an impressive third place finish in their short and long programs. Starlights skaters went up against Senior teams from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and Ohio.

The Starlights Novice Team grabbed 4th place out of nine teams and earned pewter medals. Both the Senior and Novice are also 2-for-2 in medal finishes this season – both earned silver in Kalamazoo.

The most memorable performance of the weekend was turned in by the Starlights Intermediate Team – overcoming an obstacle they didn't count on. Shortly after their performance started, their music stopped. But without missing a beat and determined to finish what they started, the team continued their performance in silence and finished to a standing ovation from cheering fans throughout the entire arena. The Intermediate Team took fifth place out of nine teams.

Also competing over the weekend were the Starlights Juvenile and Open Juvenile Teams, earning 6th and 8th place finishes respectively. All teams will be hard at work in practice sessions over the holiday season as they gear up for their next competition in early January.

To learn more about all the Starlights Synchronized Skating Teams, please visit www.starlights.us.