AREA SKATERS PLACE SECOND IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Local skaters Matt Buttrey and Sarah Booth place second in the United States Figure Skating Association National Intermediate Championships held Saturday in Monsey, N. Y.

It's the highest honor ever achieved by the pair.

"At first I think they were stunned," said Betty Buttrey, Matt's mother. "They were competing against kids who train several hours every day, but they skated strong and in unison."

The two competed against 11 other pair skaters from across the country. They skated a 2-minute program.

Because they placed in a national competition, their next step will be to test into the next-highest level of competitive skating, the novice level, said Buttrey.

Matt, 14 is from Scott City and Sarah, 9 is from Marble Hill. Both started skating when they were about 3. They have been skating as a pair for just over two years.

The two train three days a week in St. Louis with their coach, Debbie Dodge Howe. They also train at The Ice in Cape Girardeau, where instructor Todd Shaw helps them with overhead lifts.

For their efforts, Matt and Sarah received a silver medal, Buttrey said.

The two currently skate on the intermediate level. They will attempt to test up to novice level in June. From there, they will try to advance to junior and then senior level. Senior level skaters are eligible for Olympic competition.

Buttrey said the more the two compete, the better chance they have at more national titles.

"You have to get your name known to the judges," she said. "That way they will be watched more and get more publicity."

A skate-a-thon held early this year raised $3,000 to pay for the trip to New York, Buttrey said. But more competitions mean more money, she added, and the team is looking toward sponsorship.

Buttrey said supporters of the pair are looking into establishing a trust fund to help cover skating expenses.

The two have won numerous other titles, including first place at the Springfield Invitational Competition at Springfield, Ill., and first place at the Madison Open Competition in Madison, Wis.

Sarah is the daughter of Marilyn and Barry Booth and Matt is the son of Betty and Tom Buttrey.