Henry Privett-Mendoza Headed To U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Local skater set to compete in country's most prestigious competition in December

PHOTO: Marianne Oelund | SouthPasadenan.com | Henry Privett-Mendoza performs his short program at the 2018 Pacific Coast Sectionals

Local South Pasadenan, Henry Privett-Mendoza has claimed a spot at the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, CA, which will be held December 29-January 7 by placing 4th at the 2018 Pacific Coast Sectionals. The top 4 podium finishers secure a spot to the U.S. Championships. The Sectionals were held in Spokane, Washington November 15-18 where Privett-Mendoza made a very strong showing in both the short and long programs.

PHOTO: Marianne Oelund | SouthPasadenan.com | Henry Privett-Mendoza competes at the 2018 Pacific Coast Sectionals in Spokane

To give some perspective, more than 1,800 skaters competed at nine regional championships at five levels; juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior and senior. The top four skaters in each discipline qualify for one of three sectionals and the top four at sectionals earn a berth to the 2018 US Championships in San Jose.

PHOTO: Marianne Oelund | SouthPasadenan.com | Henry Privett-Mendoza performs his long program at the 2018 Pacific Coast Sectionals in Spokane. He now moves on to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships

15 year-old Privett-Mendoza has been skating since he was 6 years-old and is now competing at the Novice Men level.  Henry represents the Pasadena Figure Skating Club and trains with head coach Robert Taylor at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. He is also currently working with world renowned coach/choreographer, Rudy Galindo, the 1996 Men’s National Champion, 2-time Pairs National Champion, World Bronze Medalist and member of the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

- Advertisement -

Competing at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the country’s most prestigious figure skating event, is a dream come true for Privett-Mendoza who says, “I’m really happy to be making it to Nationals in my first year in Novice. It’s really challenging and I’m just glad to get this far. Plus it’s my coach’s hometown and I really wanted to make it to Nationals there.” He has been to Nationals before and adds, “this will be my fourth trip to Nationals. I’ve been lucky because I’ve been to Nationals at every level; Juvenile, Intermediate, and now Novice.”

As the holidays approach, Henry is grateful, excited and working hard. “I’m really excited to skate in San Jose” he tells us, “because I train there with Rudy (Galindo). The rink there is like my second home. It’s where Rudy won his Men’s National title and so I really wanted to get there this year.”

Best of luck to you Henry! A proud community will be watching!

To follow Henry Privett-Mendoza and see his program at Sectionals:

http://www.tigresden.com/henryskates