Jr. Worlds News

[Nickel]

Just heard (from a reliable source) that the Steiglers won't be going to Jr. Worlds. Howerton/Pottenger were next in line and declined so Vise/Kole are now going.

Good luck Brittany and Nick!

[what?meworry?]

the article reports this on usfsa's web site.

[Trillian]

Anyone know why Howerton & Pottenger declined?

[Scott]

Originally posted by Trillian
Anyone know why Howerton & Pottenger declined?

Boy, that sure is interesting. Declining an invitation to go to Jr. Worlds? Very curious.

[CanAmSk8ter]

Isn't that all of our alternates? What happens if someone else has to withdraw- do we get to name more alternates?

[Trillian]

Originally posted by CanAmSk8ter
What happens if someone else has to withdraw- do we get to name more alternates?

Nope--only three alternates can be listed on the official paperwork; once those are used, the U.S. can't enter anyone else. Let's just hope the teams currently on the roster all decide to compete.

[Mistyeyed]

As much as I like S/S, they just don't seem to be going anywhere. It does not make sense that they both or one or the other have not tried to pair up with someone else. I am sure that skating with a family member day in and day out if horrible in itself and it must be hard for them as well. I can understand the parents wanting to keep them together as it is easier to arrange coaching and competitions and such with them together but would it not be in their best interest if they are serious about competing to try and find a partner that they can move up with. Maybe they both could do even greater things with someone else other than their sibling.

[Shuilee]

Originally posted by Trillian
Anyone know why Howerton & Pottenger declined?

They're switching pairs partners? Hope it's not another imminent US pairs breakup. :roll:

[adrianchew]

Originally posted by Shuilee

They're switching pairs partners? Hope it's not another imminent US pairs breakup. :roll:

I sure hope not - let's not even think such! 8O

[MyTripleFlutz]

I'm so sad to see so many teams declining and breaking up, but I'm very happy that Vise and Kohl get this chance!!

Good luck you guys!!

And NO MORE BREAKUPS!!!! pretty please with sugar on top!!

[what?meworry?]

way too many problems in the pairs and dance!

we need some grownups to step in and mix'n'match these guys like the good ol' fashioned ussr to solve this problem. hey! you there, go skate with what's-her-name. work hard.

really, enough is enough. we need some stability here!

[Trillian]

Originally posted by Shuilee
Hope it's not another imminent US pairs breakup.

Well, I certainly hope not. Howerton & Pottenger have been together quite a long time for a pair at this level (at least four years), I've heard they have a good relationship, and they're a rare example of a couple that's remained physically well-matched despite both of them growing over the course of their partnership. Given all that, it would really be a shame to see the partnership end right after they won a national title.

Someone on the Unseen Skaters board made a reference to a shoulder problem on his part--maybe that's the reason they declined?

[isk8dad]

A lot of concern for Howerton/Pottenger is for NOT. There are NO PLANS TO BREAK UP. In fact the team has commited for the coming year. The decision to decline Jr. Worlds was mainly a coaching decision with several factors involved. They have commitments with USFSA in the near future which very few know about but are not any secret. ie: Physical appointment with team physician as a routine checkup was previously set up for March in Boston and they already had a committment to go to Slovenia in April along with Schmidt/Pottenger.....go figure. I hope this will calm any more rumors. Look for a strong showing at the senior level from Howerton/Pottenger for 2003/2004.

[adrianchew]

isk8dad - thanks for the update. That sets aside all fears - I doubt if anyone wanted to see Howerton/Pottenger break up... I certainly wouldn't. Glad they are not rushing either to reach the top.

If you happen to know them - you can tell them and Amy and Sydney - their fours number in the exhibitions was simply breathtaking, and I really enjoyed Sydney/Christopher's SP/FS (missed out on Junior pairs competition).

And the best wishes for all of them in Slovenia!

[haribobo]

Thanks for posting, isk8dad. I hope they all have fun at Triglav! Oh, and BTW, it's "all for NAUGHT," not "all for NOT"

haribobo, the grammar and spelling demon, strikes again!! :twisted:

[JillLaQ]

Why did the Stieglers withdraw? Illness? Injury? And whatever happened to sister Stephanie? I can remember hearing she was going to pair up with a skater from Germany. Was that a rumour, or a plan that never went anywhere?

[Trillian]

Originally posted by JillLaQ
And whatever happened to sister Stephanie? I can remember hearing she was going to pair up with a skater from Germany.

Stephanie had a tryout with a German pairs skater a couple of years ago (I want to say it was Mirko Müller in 2000?), but IIRC she decided that she didn't want to leave her family and friends to move to Germany. That was pretty much it for her. I think I've heard she's gone to college. Too bad because I always felt she had the most potential of any of the three kids as an athlete.

[WeBeEducated]

Love the team of Howerton-Pottenger. David Kirby has two of the most promising teams in pairs in the world-those 2 brothers and their partners, dont you think?
wonderful line, and pure elegant skating
beautifully matched
both teams quite nice and special in many ways.
the girls are naturally petite yet not childlike, and the boys are strong yet keeping nice line.
David Kirby has good eye for matching up the right girls with the right boys. there are so few rough aspects to their skating(unlike many pairs) that I enjoy them immensely even at the novice and junior level.
I wish them well.