(Chelsea Update would like to thank Tressie Davis for the information in this story and Best Ever Media for the photos, which were taken at a different competition but the skaters were wearing the same costumes.)
The Coliseum Comets recently took first place at the 18th Annual Dr. Richard Porter Synchronized Skating Classic, and is made up of skaters from the Chelsea and Dexter area. They train at the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea.
And, here’s a Q and A with the coaches.
Q: Are you surprised at how well the team is doing?
A: Megan Gueli: I am very happy with all of the success the team is finding this season. I believe it to be a direct reflection of all of their hard work from week to week for the past seven months. We went into this season hoping to hold our own in the division, and they have surpassed that goal at the last two competitions.
A: Kayleah Crosby: I am very proud of the girls, and they have more than passed our expectations for the season. They work hard, and they have really come together as a team in the last couple months. We went into the season hoping to hold our own in this division, and they have more than succeeded in that.
Q: What is it that you think sets the Comets apart from the teams they are competing with?
A: Megan Gueli: I think a couple of things set the Comets apart from the other teams. One being the intricacy of their program. The timing of their steps is quicker than many of the other teams attempt to execute, as well as their transitions between the elements are just about as difficult as the rules would allow. I also think their joy and enthusiasm for skating as a team is evident each and every time they perform, which is a refreshing quality to see in this day and age. Many teams and skaters get so caught up in the technical aspect of skating with the change in the judging system a few years ago, they forget this is a performance based sport.
A: Kayleah Crosby: They have a very difficult program for this level, and they have been able to perform the program well. I think the girls have also really enjoyed their competition experience, which makes them excited to compete and perform. During off ice prep and warm up before this competition we asked each of them what they were excited about for the event. Almost all of them answered that they were just excited to go out and skate! I think this shows when they compete.
Q: What are your hopes for them through the season?
A: Megan Gueli: I hope they continue to put out solid performances at the next two competitions, but more importantly continue to have fun, bond as a team, and develop a love of the sport.
A: Kayleah Crosby: Of course we hope that they continue to perform well at the next two competitions of the season, however more importantly we hope that they continue to have fun skating, learning the fundamentals of team work, and bonding with their team-mates.
Q: What do you hope they learn?
A: Megan Gueli: I hope they learn dedication, discipline, and the importance of working together as a team. These are skills they can take with throughout their lives, and any technical skills they learn is really just a bonus in the grand scheme of things.
A: Kayleah Crosby: Skating teaches so many important skills that continue long past the ice. We hope to instill a strong work ethic in the girls, dedication, and teamwork, which they will take with them forever. Additionally to continue to foster their apparent love for the sport.
Q: What is your ultimate goal for the team?
A: Megan Gueli: My ultimate goal for the team is to retain most of the skaters from this team, as well as recruit new members, in hopes of forming multiple teams at various levels in the next several years. I would love to see the program continue to grow, and develop a strong name for itself and the club within the skating community.
A: Kayleah Crosby: Ultimately, we hope to see the program continue to grow long past this season. I hope to see these girls continue to train with us, as well as work to recruit new skaters so that the team can advance to higher levels in the next few seasons. This is a great opportunity for the program and our club to grow and develop.
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