USOEC Skaters Perform Well

Calgary – Members of the United States Olympic Education Center speed skating team held their own against tough competition over the weekend. The athletes performed at the Olympic Oval Invitational Competition in Calgary. Nick Frank was the highest U-S-O-E-C men's scorer, taking 21st place overall. Frank also qualified for next year's Olympic Trials. Teammate Alex Strauss was the next-highest male skater at 27th. The women's team fared much better,with three skaters placing in the top 15. Tina Koenig came in 8th, Carly Wilson 9th, and Nicole Golembiewski punched-up 15th. Coach Scott Koons says most of the event's skaters were more advanced than the U-S-O-E-C's. However, he notes, for the first competition of the season the team skated well, and he's happy with the times and efforts. Koons adds if the organization continues to progress, it will be a successful season.