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Cain, Miner take their turn in Olympic Center spotlight

Ashley Cain, left, and Ross Miner pose for a photo during their visit to the Olympic Center in Lake Placid. Photo — Christie Sausa

LAKE PLACID – Fan favorites Ashley Cain, a national and international medalist, and Ross Miner, a national medalist and world competitor, delighted the audience Aug. 8 at the Saturday Night Ice Show in Lake Placid.

The Saturday Night Ice Shows are an honored tradition in Lake Placid, allowing skaters to perform their programs under spotlights for an audience while providing family friendly entertainment for visitors and locals alike.

Cain and Miner joined 34 other skaters participating in the summer figure skating program, many of whom were here from New Jersey and metropolitan New York skating clubs. They also taught a seminar for summer camp skaters on Saturday, allowing the campers to benefit from their knowledge and experience.

Both Cain and Miner skated entertaining programs that highlighted their artistry and athleticism. Skating to “Human,” by Christina Perri and “Show me how you Burlesque,” by Christina Aguilera, Cain impressed the crowd with her showmanship, while Miner’s programs to “All over Again,” by Justin Timberlake and “New York State of Mind,” by Billy Joel showcased his soulful skating style.

The two skaters both came off good seasons and were satisfied with their performances nationally and internationally.

“This past season was a lot of learning, I would say,” Cain said. “I had a few injuries and different things, up and down overall I think it was a really good season.

“I ended on a really high note with my long program at nationals. It was the best long program I’ve done at nationals since my junior year, so I was very happy with that.”

Miner was also pleased with his performance at the national championships in Greensboro, North Carolina.

“My goal was to be in the final group going into the long (program) and go out and skate the way I was capable,” Miner said. “For the most part, I felt I did that. I made a few silly mistakes but definitely back in the right direction and that’s where I want to keep going. I’m feeling like I’m on the right path this year; I have been working really hard.”

This year, both will be competing in various competitions, performing in ice shows and participating in other skating events. Miner will compete in the Cranberry Open competition in Kingston, Massachusetts next week, then participate in Champs Camp, an annual conference for elite skaters. At this time, he is scheduled to compete at the Rostelecom Cup in Moscow.

Miner is also waiting to hear about Senior B competition assignments, which will help determine what other competitions he will compete in this season.

Cain will perform in several ice shows, including “An Evening with Champions” at Harvard University and “Skate Dance Dream,” an event that incorporates skating and dance. She will compete in several qualifying and non-qualifying events including the Middle Atlantic Figure Skating Championships in New York City this September.

Miner and Cain have been in Lake Placid several times training and performing, and were happy to have a chance to enjoy all the region has to offer in the summer.

“I’m going to play golf tomorrow morning, so I’m very excited about that,” Miner said. “There are some great golf courses up here; it’s always a fun time. I bring my clubs every time I come to Lake Placid.”

“I have a little bit of time (Sunday), so I’m looking to go paddleboarding. I’m training here Monday and Tuesday and having a relaxing day Sunday,” Cain said. “Usually if I come (to Lake Placid) before I want to rest for the show, so this time I actually get a full day to enjoy it. Lake Placid is one of my favorite places.”

For more about Saturday Night Ice Shows and the Lake Placid Skating program, visit their website at www.lakeplacidskating.com.

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