A selection of Saugerties skaters.
After months of practice and perfecting their programs, more than 20 skating club members from Saugerties are ready to compete in the 2017 Empire State Winter Games that begin Feb. 3 in Lake Placid. The figure skating events will be held over three days with more than 600 figure skaters competing. Those placing in the top three of their events are invited to compete at the National State Games of America to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan in August.
The Skating Club of Saugerties skaters include Ana Alexander, Amber Crispell, Amanda Garner, Nomi Kligler, Amy Montalbano, Melissa Towner and Elise Westlund (synchronized skating); Brooke Bode (intermediate short IJS and intermediate long IJS); Tyler Bodie and Gillian Lopez (high beginner); Caelin Piper (high beginner and preliminary solo dance); Carmen Costello, Chantal Effing, Gaia Franklin-Ross and Anna Myers (pre-preliminary TT); Meghan Gleason (pre-preliminary well-balanced and synchronized skating); Valerie Jahn (silver solo dance); Jamie Kuehn and Ava Schmadel (beginner); Ed Montalbano (speed skating – 26 mile); Sofia Pagliaro (pre-preliminary WB); Maria Reynolds (senior IJS and synchronized skating) and Alayna VanNosdall (no test).