Alex Sergueev, coach of the Chestermere Star skaters program was very pleased with the results of his teams placement at the Chinook Open Competition in Lethbridge April 5 to 7. Sergueev, said this is the biggest competition he’s seen, with over 400 skaters competiting over a 3 day period. Six local skaters ages 8 to 15 participated to bring home 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. Amanda Grover placed 4th in junior bronze, Natalie Miller 4th in first preliminary, Rachael Matthews 1st introductory level, Rebecca David 1st in freeskate junior bronze level, Brenna Gosse 3rd in freeskate introductory gold level, and Ekaterina Sergeev first in freeskate gold as well as 2nd in interpretive gold.
In the team event which included 8 teams they placed second. In this competition each skater had to perform 1 element. An element for example is a set jump, spin , spiral sequence or jump combo. All these girls are part of the Star Skate program which requires 3 to 4 days of commitment per week. They meet on the ice for 2 and a half hours each practice. Congratulations to these girls for all their hard work and commitment!
Sergueev who turned professional in 1986 spent many years with ice skating shows throughout Europe including Holland and Germany before coming to Canada in 2006. He originally trained with the Olympic School in St. Petersburg Russia. After leaving the competition level skaters can find employment with local ice shows world wide including Asia, Europe and Africa and as well as with shows like Stars on Ice. Teaching is also an option. Sergueev turned to this side of the business when his second child was born and travelling with his wife and children became increasingly difficult.
While the season has officially ended , Coach Sergueev is continuing a learn to skate program now through the middle of June at the Rec Centre. There is still opportunity to enroll your preschool children for morning and afternoon classes in the Munchkin class running Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings from 10 to11, and afternoons 1:30 to 2:30. Check out the rec centre website at www. chestermerecrca.com or call (403) 272-7170 for more info.
