Along with the Great Neck Park District solo and synchronized team skaters, our Skate School pro/coach Matthew Thomas and instructor Brooke Cenname both competed in the 38th Annual Empire State Winter Games held in Lake Placid from February 1 through 4 .
Matt competed in Men's Speed Skating Short Track event and now plans to continue on to Nationals in that category. He grew up skating in Syracuse, NY, where he was introduced to skating through the Learn-to-Skate Program. He continued to train as a figure skating competitor and in 1998 he became the Eastern Sectional Champion, before moving on to his current career as a Skating Coach. Matt is also a professional saxophonist, holding a Bachelor's degree in music from SUNY Buffalo, performing regularly both in NYC and internationally.
Brooke won first place in Novice 6.0 Free Skate. She is 16 years old and has been skating at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink since age two. She has been a member of the Great Neck Figure Skating Club and has represented the club at local, regional and national competitions. Brooke has advanced to multiple USFS National Showcase Competitions.
Three cheers for all of our wonderful skaters who took part at the Empire Winter Games.
