Bobby Lewis 
OKBlitz.com Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – What better way too cool off this summer than to chill out on the ice? Two Tulsa teens have it all figured out: beat the heat by hitting the rink.

Paige Westmoreland and Brittany Schmucker are top figure skating talents and have a tremendous opportunity in the next two weeks. Both skaters will travel to Hyannis, Mass., for the National Showcase on August 5th-7th.

“Being on the ice, it’s what I love,” said the 17-year-old Schmucker, an incoming senior at Cascia Hall. “I love skating with Paige.”

The National Showcase is a gathering of the top competitors from the United States and Canada. Skaters will compete in artistic and theatrical programs that include dramatic, light entertainment, duets, interpretive and group event skating categories.

Westmoreland, Schmucker and five other young athletes put on an exhibition Wednesday afternoon at the Oilers Ice Center to prepare for next month’s competition.

“I plan to go to college, but I will always have my foot in the skating world,” said Westmoreland, who begins her senior year at Booker T. Washington high school this fall.

Westmoreland was the National Showcase Champion back in 2008. She made it back to the final round a year ago, but could not pull off back-to-back titles.

Still, a possible 2-for-3 isn’t bad.

“Well I’d like to (win),” she smiled. “I think I have a pretty good shot at it.”

Her best friend agrees.

“Absolutely I think she has it in her to win it again,” exclaimed Schmucker. “She has the heart and the drive, and she loves the sport.”

Schmucker has a lot of drive herself. She’s placed well in numerous competitions already, including the prestigious State Games of America event. The National Showcase will be her fourth national event.

“The goal is to win,” she said after her exhibition workout. “Well, the goal is to do your best, and if you do your best, you’ll hopefully win.”

The Tulsa Figure Skating Club sponsored the exhibition for the Tulsa skaters. Other skaters attending the National Showcase include Jessica Barber, Natalie Bashforth, Katherine De Angelis, Garret Jensen and Madison Jenson.