2020 Eastern Sectional Championship Preview (6.0)

by Kennedy McKay

Teams are headed to Albany, New York to compete in the 2020 Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships.  The 6.0 competition begins Thursday, January 16 and concludes on Saturday, January 18. Teams from all over the east coast will battle head to head as they skate to earn sectional titles. 

17 teams split into two groups compete in the preliminary event; ten of these teams will advance to the championship round.  Based off competition results this season, DC EDGE Blue (first at the Cape Cod Classic and second at the Colonial Classic group B) are a frontrunner in group A to secure a qualifying spot and place high in the championship round. Steel City Blades, Philadelphia Invitational champions, and Team Excel, Colonial Classic champions (group A), also have the potential for a strong finish.  Many teams in this group come with podium-placements at previous competitions, making it a tight race for a qualifying spot. Frontrunners in group B include Skyliners (first at the Boston Classic and Colonial Classic group B), Team Image (first at the Terry Conners Open), New Jersey Skyliners (third at the Boston Classic and Colonial Classic group A), and Shooting Stars (second at the Boston Classic and third at the Cape Cod Classic).

The pre-juvenile division will be one of the most competitive events this week as 29 teams across three groups will skate in qualifying rounds. Only 12 will qualify for the championship round. After winning the Boston Classic (group A) and Cape Cod Classic (group A), Munchkins are in a comfortable position to qualify for the championship round.  DC EDGE placed second at the Cape Cod Classic (group B) and third at the Colonial Classic (group A). Precisely Right are another team to watch, as the team placed second at the Philadelphia Invitational (group B) and third at the Terry Conners Open (group A). In group B, Shooting Stars are likely to top the podium and advance to the championship round after winning the Cape Cod Classic (group B) and Colonial Classic (group B) in addition to picking up the silver medal at the Boston Classic (group B).  Shimmers and Aviator Ice Dazzlers both won silver at the Terry Conners Open (groups A and B, respectively), and are two more teams to watch. Group C consists of many teams that have won a gold medal this season. Skyliners won the Boston Classic (group B), Colonial Classic (group A), and Terry Conners Open (group A) and are likely to top the podium again.  Steel City Blades won the Philadelphia Invitational (group A), and Team Image won the Terry Conners Open (group B); these teams will hope to earn another first place finish.

In the open juvenile event, 25 teams are split into three qualifying round groups.  Of those 25, 12 will advance to the championship round. Each group features many talented teams. Superettes, after placing third at the Boston Classic and Colonial Classic (group A), may be a favorite in group A.  In group B, many teams are coming in with gold medals from previous competitions. DC EDGE Blue and DC EDGE Red won the Colonial Classic (groups A and B, respectively), and Icing on the Cape won the Boston Classic.  In group C, many teams have recorded high placements throughout the season. Synchro Stars won the Cape Cod Classic, CNY Blizzard won the Philadelphia Invitational, and Precisely Right won the Terry Conners Open. In addition, Team Excel finished in second at the Boston Classic.

Seven teams are entered in the open collegiate event. 2019 Sectional champion University of New Hampshire is not returning to the event, so the title is up for grabs. Boston College Eagles won the Boston Classic and the Orange Experience at Syracuse University won the Terry Conners Open; both of these teams will look for repeat success when competing for the Sectional title.

The open adult division consists of seven teams, increasing from just two teams last season. Team Reflections will skate to win another Sectional title.  Gardens Synchronicity, who are the Terry Conners Open champions, skate to pick up another gold medal.

Four competitors will face off in the open masters event.  The 2019 Sectional champion Mirror Images will skate to defend the title; they are challenged by Maine DownEasters, Philadelphia Symmetry, and The Colonials.

Good luck to all teams competing! Don’t miss out on any of the action – follow Get It Called on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and use #SynchroEast2020 on social media this week!