Ice Dance Teams

[viv64]

I am not sure about Flo Steed, but Kate Slattery is a full time freshman at University of Delaware, and Chuen Gun Lee is a college graduate.:)

[Smiley0084]

Originally posted by love2dance
I would like to just point out, LeBron James, the basketball player from Ohio, who, fresh out of high school, signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavilers. He "barely" graduated high school... what good would 4 years of college do for him? He is going to be a basketball player... does he really need to study biochemistry or nuclear science? Same goes for figure skaters, or runners, or swimmers, or tennis players....

And what's going to happen to him if he gets a career ending injury? What is he going to do? How is he going to support himself, if basketball is all he knows? Look at Sarah Hughes, if she broke her leg before the olympics, she would still have an education to back her up, she could do something with her life because she's a well educated girl.

[ohiosk8]

It is impossible to compare the Lebron James situation with figure skating. With a $90 million dollar Nike contract and a mega million dollar signing bonus that he will receive from the Cavaliers, even if Lebron is marginally successful, or plays only 1 year in the NBA, he is still set for life.

No figure skater in history can demand that money.

Hopefully, Mr. James will be intelligent enough to understand that education will benefit him in many ways and he will achieve a degree gradually. He would be crazy to pass up that kind of money for college right now.

Very few skaters have the opportunity to earn enough money to carry them through life. Hopefully, with a good education as well as competitive experience many of them will find ways to earn good livings in all aspects of the sport....sports management, sports psychology, event management, coaching, etc.

[SouthernSk8rMom]

A team to add to the novice list: Isabella Tobias and James Warren.

[butterfly]

Ellyn...you make good points and I agree. I was commenting in general regarding the problems of skating and limitations and not about any particular skater.

[ladyluck]

Here's a question - Why is it ok for Tanith Belbin to move to another country when she is 16 to compete for another country but it isn't ok for Flo and Kate to compete for other countries? Not a nice double standard. Basically you are saying that it is ok if you want to compete for the US, but it you want to compete for another country there is something wrong. Out of the top ten teams at worlds, in six of them, one partner is not originally from the country that they represent. Does this mean that they weren't good enough to get a partner in their home country? I should think not, else they wouldn't be in the top ten. Maybe there just wasn't anyone in their home country that matched them well. So why is it any different for Kate and Flo?
On to the next issue, becoming a citizen for another country does not mean that you have to relinquish US citizenship. There is not a law forbiding it. The US frowns just upon it. There are a few circumstances that require you to give up your citizenship (you join the army of a country opposed to the US, you swear an oath of allegiance that requires you to relinquish your former citizenship, or you become a naturalized citizen of another country, etc.).
Next, neither Kate nor Flo is sacrificing their education for skating. Kate is a full time student at University of Delaware and Flo is enrolled in an American high school in Paris.
So give it up already.

[Trillian]

Originally posted by ohiosk8
It is impossible to compare the Lebron James situation with figure skating. With a $90 million dollar Nike contract and a mega million dollar signing bonus that he will receive from the Cavaliers, even if Lebron is marginally successful, or plays only 1 year in the NBA, he is still set for life.

Not to mention I seem to recall reading that he's a fairly smart kid and would have the grades to get accepted to college on his own merit. (Or am I remembering some other young pro athlete?) Now regardless of how his NBA career turns out, he can go to college whenever he wants with no worries about paying for it. I'm all for getting a great education, but that can be done at any time--a pro sports career and the endorsements that go with it are a limited opportunity.

Here's a more likely parallel to the skating world. Any big UConn women's basketball fan has probably noticed Stacey Marron, who was a walk-on (non-scholarship) player last year because she wanted to take her chances with a great program instead of getting playing time with a less prestigious school. Now she has a scholarship but rarely plays; she's pretty obviously a coach-in-training since she spends most games on her feet and yelling to those on the court. She could have recognized her limited potential, played at a smaller school and let that be the end of it (she'll never be a WNBA star); instead, she's set herself up to have a pretty decent shot at a coaching career by learning from practicing with the best and being coached by one of the best.

To me, that's exactly like a skater who wants a long term career in the sport as a coach or choreographer: having the experience of going to big international events is invaluable regardless of where he/she places. It's a great way to learn. Sure, some of these kids are chasing impossible dreams, but I'd also bet a lot of them are going to apply these experiences in a positive way. Very few of them are throwing their lives away.

[Azam356]

Nobody said it was any better for Tanith to come here than Flo or kate to move I dont think it is right for any 16 year old to be sent off without a parent but in truth the U.S. is a lot closer to Canada than France or Korea though I think I read Kate might be training partially in the US .And the US and Canada do speak the same language so it wasnt quite the same for Tanith but as I said no one ever said it was ok for her but not the others

[Abahple]

I think there are several mistaken assumptions being made here.

1. I can't picture Kate and Chuen Gun going to Korea to train. He's been training in Delaware for some time, and so has she, so the country they compete for shouldn't really change that.

2. It's not as if Flo has been living with her own family all this time. True, she remained in the same state, but she's trained in Dallas for many years, while her family remained in Houston, several hours away. If I recall, she even had her own apartment as of her breakup with Augie. She has also been in home school, and I don't see where it makes a difference in distance learning whether she's in Dallas, Paris, Timbuktu, wherever.

3. To those of you who say skaters should be "realistic" and not "waste their lives" by making skating the #1 priority, rather than school: COLLEGE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE! You can attend school whether you're 18 or 80, whereas the opportunities presented to these skaters are once in a lifetime . Once you pass a certain age in this sport, there are no more chances.

4. Many of you seem to be of the opinion that these things happen because it's what the parents want, not the skaters. These parents don't want to see their child move across an ocean, country, or even across the state! For any reason! But can you imagine trying to tell your child, if it was what they really wanted, that they weren't allowed to pursue such a great opportunity? When you have such a passion for something, the sacrifices mean nothing. Most elite skaters have already given up what is considered a "normal" teenage life.

5. Only one person said this, but I really feel I must address it. Collegiate competition is not the same. You say that anyone who truly loves the sport just needs a rink to skate on, and they should be happy. But it's not just love of the skating itself. It's the love of pushing yourself harder, making yourself better! The love of competition is something that every elite skater must have, or they will never be competitive.

I'm aware this is a lengthy post, and I'm not likely to change anyone's mind, but I felt like I needed to say it anyway.

[what?meworry?]

abahple, i bow to your competence in evaluating these comments. i subscribe to your philosophy, but don't have the patience to describe it.

thank you for your quality evaluation!

[Weegie]

Well said, Abahple! The same paths and life choices should not apply to everyone. Life would be pretty boring if we all took the same route!

[Trillian]

Originally posted by Azam356
Nobody said it was any better for Tanith to come here than Flo or kate to move I dont think it is right for any 16 year old to be sent off without a parent but in truth the U.S. is a lot closer to Canada than France or Korea though I think I read Kate might be training partially in the US .

One more time: Kate is training completely in the U.S.--she and her partner both trained in Delaware before they got together, and they plan to continue that. I have it confirmed by a reliable source now. (I have also been told that she is indeed a UDel student, and a pretty good one.) She also isn't 16, she's 19 now; there's a big difference. Lots of kids have gone off to college at that age, some to other countries, so even if she does spend some time in Korea at some point, I don't see where that's any different.

[love2dance]

Originally posted by ohiosk8
It is impossible to compare the Lebron James situation with figure skating. With a $90 million dollar Nike contract and a mega million dollar signing bonus that he will receive from the Cavaliers, even if Lebron is marginally successful, or plays only 1 year in the NBA, he is still set for life.

That's not the point I was making. All I was trying to point out, is that figure skaters are not the only athletes who "pass up" college for their sport. LeBron James, no matter how smart he may be, is always going to be remembered for his basketball... not his chemistry. One should always persue their strenghs... would there be any debate if some amazing chemist who also was ok at tennis decided to quit tennis so he would have more time for chemistry??? Nobody should do what everyone else tells them to, just because they're 'supposed to.' Can you imagine what the world would be like??
Also, I would like to mention, that not every person goes to college anyway. There are many (very smart people) who just don't want to go, who can't afford it, or who just DON'T. Why do we hold figure skaters at a higher level? Why is it ok for somebody else not to go to college, but not for a figure skater? :idea:

[wesrc5706]

OK... Having flo move across the ocean to skate has not been an easy decision for ANYONE. It wasn't like they just said, "ok!!! lets send our daughter whom we love dearly 10,000 miles across the ocean!" no. It has been hard for the parents, siblings, other relatives and friends. The choice for flo was to either find a partner from another country or don't skate at all. For anyone who has ever seen flo skate, NOT skating was NOT an option. She has a great love for the sport and is able to express this passion while on the ice.

moving on... There once a young woman named Marina Anissina.
Marina was a very promising young dancer who was teamed with another excellent skater by the name of Ilia Averbukh. They looked to be one of Russia's next big teams in progress who showed a lot of potential and an excellent work ethic. For whatever reason, the team was broken up and Ilia began skating with a new partner leaving Marina partnerless but still primed for competition.
There happened to be a boy by the name of Gwendal Peizerat who was also one of the most talented dancers of his time, but for whatever reason, could not find the right partner in his native France. Upon hearing that Marina and Ilia had broken up, Gwendal got in contact with Marina about setting up a tryout. Everything worked out excellently, but Marina had to move across Europe from Russia to France to pursue her dream. The rest is history.

ok... Will someone tell me how this is any different from flo's situation???
Sometimes the most TALENTED skaters cannot find a partner from their home country!!! Gwendal Peizerat is an AMAZING dancer who happened to find the right partner in a Russian girl.

[Azam356]

That is great for Kate . I had said I thought she was training at least part in teh US and she is a little older and going to school. Thats the way it should be done but I know of others both past and present who were sent away from home with no parent at 13 and 14 with questionable schooling and unusual living arrangements
And I do disagree with Apahble on point number 4 on two points Many-not all but many many of the parents in this sport and I have seen it firsthand get so drawn into it that yes they would send there child away and DON'T mind doing it. The cross the line and want that recognition probably more than the child and also yes maybe the child wants to go sooo badly( mine did) and many do but the parent is the parent and should be able to differentiate and say this is what can be and this isnt .I have no problem with the kids like Jenny Don whose mother goes with them and they stay in a normal school even if it is half a day and she found a partner here in the US where they could stay at least within a 2 or 3 hour plane ride of the family .I object to the kids who are sent away from home ,halfway around the world at a young age with no family and no formal schooling. And yes college will always be there but if you can say how you get life's expereinces in skating you also get them at school and it isnt the same experience at 25 as it is at 18. I just think if you cant find a partner from all the kids in the US and there are a lot now that maybe it is time to reconsider and move on rather than be sent a continent away. Just my opinion and I will admit I have very strong feelings that in this day and age you need an education and I have seen many of these "at home schooling" and they are a joke . It isnt just the education it is the break up of the family searching for that elusive dream and at a rough age anyway-the teenage years-when a parent should be present And as for Flo just becasue she had her own apartment and lived alone at 15 doenst make it right and the distance from Houston to Dallas certainly can not be compared to teh distance from Houston to France.

[sonora]

First, many of you seem to have an amazing ability to extrapolate huge scenarios from very few facts. You had Kate a Korean citizen, and apparently she isn't even leaving the country. You have Flo's life ruined, and she could be just begininng a wonderful adventure.

Calm it down, people.

Teenagers have messy lives to begin with, and I can't see how it's helping any of these kids to have their lives and their choices and their parents' judgment or lack thereof discussed on public internet forums by adults who apparently have nothing better to do with their time.

Will some of these moves be mistakes? Yes, probably.

Will there be a net benefit to the kid? yes, probably.

I did the teen age equivalent of leaving school and running away with the circus. At the time everyone in my life was frantic about my reckless, wild decision.

It turned out all for the good, and I gained some much needed maturity before spending any money for college.

Let these kids live a little, and have an adventure. College at 18 is not all it's cracked up to be.

Now could we please talk about their skating?

[Azam356]

They are young people just beginning their lives and I might not agree with the parents decisions but I do wish the kids all the best and happiness.
Back to the teams-- Are Metzger Russel are not competing Is that correct? I think I read they had stopped to go to school. I will miss them. Has anyone seen any of teh "old" skaters with their new partners Like Cohn ,Hill etc. and how do they look? and has anyone heard anymore on what level Matews Zavoison(I know I spelled that wrong) Junior or senior??

[tsolomon]

Since this thread keeps coming back to the parents and the decisions we have made, I figured I might as well let you know how we see these things. Our decisions are made based on what our daughters/sons want to do. We are supporting their choice to continue doing what they want to do. It is not an easy choice as most of us would prefer to have our children at home.

These young adults are not giving up on college or their education, many of them are going to school while they train and have been doing so for the past 10+ years. Kate Slattery and Flo Steed are pursuing their dreams, and if that takes them to Korea or France, at least they are still trying. Kate has continued to skate even after losing her last partner and has earned the chance to skate for Korea through hard work and a continue commitment to skating. Flo has been asked to go skate for France and has earned this through years of hard work and great skating.

As a dad who misses his daughter, I can only say that I do this because my daughter has proven to me that this is what she wants to do. With a great deal of love and respect I support her in this. Anybody who thinks that we need a reality check, can be assured that we question every decision we make and we don’t make any of them lightly. These skaters have given up a lot to be where they are now and have earned the right to make decisions about where and how far they can go with skating.

This is about a young person’s future, and at this age they can still dream and pursue those dreams. These young adults have spent the last 10 years training to get to where they are and if they still want to continue based on everything they have learned, then how can we tell them no? We have had the talks, laid out the options, and told them how hard it will be and warned them that it might not work, but they still want to do it. They have made the hard decision to leave friends and family behind and go off and challenge themselves, and they go with the full support of their parents.

Tom Solomon

[sonora]

Good for you Tom Solomon!

And good luck to your daughter as well.

[IgglesII]

Something else that could be pointed out about Flo - how exactly is it ruining one's life by trading up in terms of the team you represent? From the team that has failed to ever win a medal at the Olympics in Ice Dance, to the one that holds the current Gold Medal.

The fact that they want her says something about her ability. They went shopping before, and came up with Marina. Now they want Flo.

That's kinda like being a baseball player, and having your agent call you to tell you the New York Yankees want to talk contract with you.

[Skatewind]

Originally posted by sonora
Let these kids live a little, and have an adventure. College at 18 is not all it's cracked up to be.
How do you know if you ran away with the circus & didn't go at 18? A lot of 18 year olds thrive in college & this opinion sounds as intolerant as some of the others here.

I'm all for letting young adults make their own decisions about college, & whether to go now, put it off until later, or not go at all. But there are indeed many skaters who are sorely lacking in a basic high school education because of questionable home schooling practices; and I do agree they have missed out on a basic education that is very important. This is not to say all home schooling is bad, because it's not, & the student gets out of it what the student puts into it. But there are lots of skaters home schooling who are definitely not getting what I would consider a basic education. And of those, a good percentage are not going to international competitions or other skating activities that could be considered supplemental travel or learning experiences.

[sonora]

I am not at all an advocate of home schooling. In fact, you can count me quite firmly against it.

However I also do not think your life is ruined if you do not go to college at age 18.

I do not think saying college at 18 is not all it's cracked up to be is intolerant either.

Witness problems on college campuses today: binge drinking, drug abuse, date rape, rohypnol, eating disorders, depression, etc.

Check the graduate w/in 4 years of admission stat of any residential 4 yr college, public or private. Many are lucky if 2/3 of their students graduate within 4 years of matriculation.

All too often kids go to college for lack of a better plan. Competing skating can be, for some kids, a "better plan."

Ask anyone who was a competitive athlete as a teen and then didn't follow through if they regret it now. I bet most have some regrets.

[butterfly]

Originally posted by sonora
I am not at all an advocate of home schooling. In fact, you can count me quite firmly against it.

However I also do not think your life is ruined if you do not go to college at age 18.

I do not think saying college at 18 is not all it's cracked up to be is intolerant either.

Witness problems on college campuses today: binge drinking, drug abuse, date rape, rohypnol, eating disorders, depression, etc.

Check the graduate w/in 4 years of admission stat of any residential 4 yr college, public or private. Many are lucky if 2/3 of their students graduate within 4 years of matriculation.

All too often kids go to college for lack of a better plan. Competing skating can be, for some kids, a "better plan."

Ask anyone who was a competitive athlete as a teen and then didn't follow through if they regret it now. I bet most have some regrets. Whatever you and your daughter decide is great, but don't knock going to college at 18 please. Believe me there is the same binge drinking, drug abuse, date rape, and sexual abuse in the skating world. And eating disorders and depression were invented in the skating world; so don't go there. If you want to rationalize a decision fine but don't make college sound like a second choice. I work at a university and the kids that come in are bright, cream of the crop and they do graduate better than a 2/3 percentage. And surprise, surprise they do participate in varied college sports, as well as many other outside interests and study abroad programs. I don't know where you get your numbers. And guess what... I don't think I have ever talked to any of the graduates that I know that are on their way to a future regret that they have MBA's, PhD's and Law and Medical degrees. They are proud of their accomplishments. What you don't realize is that only a small percentage of the world population gives a flip(excuse the pun) if someone can twizzle or do a triple axel.

Please don't get me wrong I think your daughter should follow her dream, but I don't think you should fool yourself that college is a bad idea. And as they say college is always there but when you are 25 it is hard to start out as a freshman, being away from the books and having to trudge through a four years to get a bachelor or now many more if you go for a graduate degree.

[sonora]

What makes you think I have a daughter making these decisions?

I think college is oversold, not right for many kids at all, and not right for a lot of kids at 18.

Of course someone working in a university environment will defend it, but someone out in the actual world of work(Like myself) can give you many examples of:

1)people with useless degrees staggering under a huge debt of student loans, and

2) people who are unhappy in careers and fields they committed to at far too young an age, as a result of having been rushed into college at 18.

I despise the attitude that the only right choice is the "traditional" one, of a 4 year college education immediately following high school.

Different strokes for different folks, is all I'm saying. The inability to accept that something different might be bettter for someone is the intolerance here, not the advocacy of the point of view that there are (gasp!) alternatives to college at 18.

[Bullwinkle]

Well said Sonora. I am certain you are not Flo's mother because I know her and she does not write as well as you do!

She is an elementary PE teacher who loves her daughter very much. She has enough faith in her to help her follow her dreams even if that means she will miss her terribly.

[Azam356]

Butterfly You are totally correct and have stated it well.
It seems that the people who do not go to college are the ones that dont think it is necessary. I havnt heard a college graduate say they are sorry they went. And why do these people feel the only life experiences and goals kids can have are in the skating world. What about the challenge of graduating at the top of the class and the drive and determination that takes. No, college isnt for everyone but it IS different to go at 25 than 18 or 19 . I think we are talking of the kids who have had bad home schooling and there are plenty of those,the kids who are sent away with no parental supervision at ages 13 and 14 and that happens. and if you dont think there is drinking and promiscuity in skating go check out the private parties in the hotel rooms after mids or nationals and check out some of the dorms when they have try outs and semnars. It isnt any different than the same kids who would do the same in college Those kids are going to do that anywhere. I cant believe anyone in this day and age would knock getting a college education What will the kids do who dont make it in skating about by 18 or 19 ,Im sorry you pretty much can tell what ypru chances are getting anywhere and unfortunaletly this is a sport where only the top few make a good living at it.Mayeb I would think differently bit I know several coaches who were skaters,didnt go to school, and now they have to worry about how many students they have and how much ice the rink will have so they can teach etc etc they have very little security.That can happen with an education also but you do tend to have more saleable skills with a degree.And Butterfly would not be as much prejudice working for a school as much as she would know what she is talking about.
It doesnt matter how we argue on the board people are going to do what they think is best ,but there are parents out there who are so wrapped up in it themselves they cant see the forest for the trees in the kids future.

[armchairsk8r]

WOW!! You all seem to have raising children down pat. Maybe you should write a book! Could I have your phone numbers so when I have to make a choice about what path to take with my childs skating I could give you a ring.It certainly seems you must be raising the the next President of the US or maybe the scientist who cures cancer.Silly me I thought my job as a parent was to raise a moral, happy, well adjusted adult.I didnt realize that they must attend a private or public school to do so. Im calling my two daughters, who were both home schooled,
tonight to apologize for being a complete failure as a parent.One is a sophmore at U of Miami and the other just graduated from Va Tech. I guess it was just a fluke they were both on the deans list. Give me a break, no two children are a like, what works for your child might not work for the next so... keep your child raising tips to yourself!!!!!!!

[Azam356]

No one said home schooling was all bad there are both sides to everything and I think we are all objecting to the extremes on either side . I know lots of kids who were home schooled and it was better than regular school but I also know skating parents who either didnt buy the home schooling curriculums or if they did they just threw it at the kids and said "here do it"I think what some of us are objecting to is the lack of education for skating however way it is obtained or not obtained I know kids who wrer badly hoem schooled had to go back to a regular high school and stay until they caught up and besides all that quit skating (on their own) so they had to play catch up . I know people who made up their own curriculums and left big gaps in areas and those kids quit skating also and where were they then also. Plenty of skaters can do it both-both is high school and college Paul Wylie Debbie Thomas etc etc jenny Don just graduated high school valadictorian It can be done You gave your children a good education or they wouldnt be doing so well in college but many of skaters and probably other athletes dont get the basic education and that is what some of us are objecting to That and the lack of parental supervision and availability when young kids are sent off alone.

[butterfly]

Home schooling by choice and with great concern for education, and done well sometimes is more successful than public school. There are studies to prove it. My experience with kids in skating is that they get their high school diploma by some correspondence course, quite haphazard and I wouldn't want to see SAT or ACT scores based on the education they get. For these kids, skating is first and correspondence education is second. That is a choice their parents allow.

Yes, I am in an academic environment, but I have also been closely associated with a successful national competitor and know the skating world up close and personal, and I think I speak with a unique perspective. My view regarding the neglect of education in this sport has been developed over many years.

I think I would select a person with a college degree and college loans over a person who has no formal education and knows how to glide across frozen water on thousand dollar skates, wearing sequins for a position that I might be looking to fill. I know about Bill Gates and I have been aquainted with individuals who are successful and wealthy without college degrees, but those are the exceptions to the rule. Young people today need education to make it in the world unless, of course, you win a gold medal at the olympics. And btw, I find it very strange to watch particular top skaters being interviewed on tv after a performance with the big smiles and one liners when I know what life is really like for them; crying, dieting, fighting, injury & stress.

And I haven't spoken regarding any particular skater, but I can tell you I think it is very risky to allow any 15 year old to have an apartment alone or send them far away when they are in the very vulnerable, formative years. What price for fame.

[Skatewind]

Originally posted by sonora
I despise the attitude that the only right choice is the "traditional" one, of a 4 year college education immediately following high school.

Different strokes for different folks, is all I'm saying. The inability to accept that something different might be bettter for someone is the intolerance here, not the advocacy of the point of view that there are (gasp!) alternatives to college at 18.
Some young adults do very well as students & the opportunities of travel, internship, etc that can come with a good well rounded education. Often such opportunities would not be as easily available or affordable to them in the everyday world as they are in a university setting. There's something to be said for young adults who wish to study if only to broaden their base of knowledge, just as there is for those who wish to skate. Yet your comments here cheapen the pusuit of such knowledge as nothing more than a "useless degree". That's intolerance IMO not different strokes for different folks. Different strokes for different folks is when one is able to recognize & accept the value in various pursuits whether it be skating, education, or one's idea of a "useless degree".

[Skatewind]

I know home school children who are brilliant individuals who achieved great things from home schooling, certainly with much better success than the education they would have received in a regular school. It's because their parents took their schooling seriously & made it a priority. I have met kids both inside & outside of the skating world who fit this category.

I also know many home school children who are now over 21 & have grade school math & reading comprehension & whose idea of home schooling was studying for the G.E.D. exam. from a workbook their parents bought them at Books A Million. All the kids I have met who fit this category I have met in skating.

armchairsk8r, if your children fit in the first category, what are you getting so offended about? If you have been in skating awhile, I'm sure you have probably met your share of kids who fit into the second category & who are now at a disadvantage as young adults because of practically non existent homeschooling. Someone should be an advocate for these children & an important step would be for people in skating to stop pretending it doesn't exist.

[armchairsk8r]

I guess what I am "offended" by is that this is really none of your business! How these people choice to raise their children is none of your concern. I am offended that you are second guessing their parenting skills. I have been around skating for 30 years and one thing is for sure getting on the computer and bashing these people isn't going to change a thing.So you can be a "advocate" all you want , but this is wrong place to start.

[butterfly]

Originally posted by armchairsk8r
I guess what I am "offended" by is that this is really none of your business! How these people choice to raise their children is none of your concern. I am offended that you are second guessing their parenting skills. I have been around skating for 30 years and one thing is for sure getting on the computer and bashing these people isn't going to change a thing.So you can be a "advocate" all you want , but this is wrong place to start. Actually, this is a great forum for sharing ideas and concern for the welfare of children and young adults in skating. Communication is how we become aware and learn from others. Expressing concern should not be offensive to anyone. If you don't agree or you don't wish to participate in a discussion, simply ignore our chatter. I am wondering armchairsk8r, where do you think would be an appropriate place to advocate for young people?

[sonora]

Nowhere did I say that all degrees are useless. Some are, though. And at high cost.

The average graduate of my alma mater, where I got my post graduate degree, has over $100,000 in debt. Many, many of these students are unable to find jobs in these specialized fields in today's economy.

Why can't you open your mind to the possibility that college is not right for eveyone? That's all I'm saying. I'm certainly not saying it's wrong for everyone.

I teach a college class occasionally. The older students in my class are there to learn. The younger students, the 18 and 19 year olds, all too often are merely checking off a degree requirement. They don't have near the dedication and desire the older ones do, because they don't have the life experience to understand the value of an education.

I am flattered that someone thought I was Flo's mother. I am sure she is a lovely person and I wish Flo and her family well in her great adventure. What an opportunity, to live in Europe, absorb another culture, learn a foreign language( I guess I am assuming Flo does not already speak French). She can visit the Louvre and other cultural attrractions. She can probably enroll in an American University over there if she wishes, or just skate and drink up the culture.

Good luck Flo!

[Skatewind]

Originally posted by sonora
Why can't you open your mind to the possibility that college is not right for eveyone? That's all I'm saying. I'm certainly not saying it's wrong for everyone.
This is what I posted on the previous page: "I'm all for letting young adults make their own decisions about college, & whether to go now, put it off until later, or not go at all." Please explain how that is close minded about the possibility that college is not right for everyone.

[Skatewind]

Originally posted by armchairsk8r
I guess what I am "offended" by is that this is really none of your business! How these people choice to raise their children is none of your concern. I am offended that you are second guessing their parenting skills. I have been around skating for 30 years and one thing is for sure getting on the computer and bashing these people isn't going to change a thing.So you can be a "advocate" all you want , but this is wrong place to start.
Whether or not skaters under the age of 18 are in compliance with educational requirements is supposed to be the business of the USFSA if they are competitive skaters. Obviously it's a regulation that has been developed based on the belief that skaters should get a basic high school education, & society agrees. USFSA & clubs need to enforce the rule because it's not happening for a lot of kids, rather than overlook it for the sake of convenience. If you think it's alright to let other people's kids slip through the system (as long as they're not yours) when the policy could be enforced better to make improvements, then that's your option, but a lot of people disagree.

[armchairsk8r]

I suggest a good place to start would be social services. I dont think anyone at skating forum is in a position to help, since its mostly skaters who post and read here!

[Skatewind]

If you don't like to read varying opinions & debate them, then you have the option not to read or update. It's a message board for people to have discussions, so the hostility seems rather misdirected. :roll:

[butterfly]

Originally posted by armchairsk8r
I suggest a good place to start would be social services. I dont think anyone at skating forum is in a position to help, since its mostly skaters who post and read here! Duh...I have never skated and I post and read here. I believe that in this thread we are hearing dialogue from many parents. You don't have to skate to have opinions. The beauty of a "skating forum" is that all ages, all groups, can share ideas.

Maybe someone should send social services to the rinks around the country to see if the education of skaters is being fulfilled. That's what you have to do when parents don't take the responsibility seriously.

[armchairsk8r]

"Maybe someone should send social services to the rinks around the country to see if the education of skaters is being fulfilled. That's what you have to do when parents don't take the responsibility seriously."

If you feel so strongly about this issue that would be a good place to start. It should keep you busy for quite sometime.I give you credit if you do, not everyone is cut out to be a child advocate.Good Luck let us all know how it turns out.

[icefreak]

Originally posted by SouthernSk8rMom
A team to add to the novice list: Isabella Tobias and James Warren.

Who is Isabella Tobias? The name doesn't sound familiar. Has she competed before? Well I'm happy to know that James will be competing this year. He's a really nice guy.

[butterfly]

originally posted by armchairsk8r:
"If you feel so strongly about this issue that would be a good place to start. It should keep you busy for quite sometime.I give you credit if you do, not everyone is cut out to be a child advocate.Good Luck let us all know how it turns out."

Now that you get me thinking maybe I could suggest a PhD student do an extensive research project for their dissertation. I'm not in the Education School at my University but I do have contacts. Yes.....that would be very interesting and revealing. Maybe the states would be interested in seeing the results.

Thanks for the idea, although, I don't think it will keep ME very busy;)
Guess I will just have to continue to advocate for children in my own way.

[IceDanceSk8er]

Originally posted by icefreak
Who is Isabella Tobias? The name doesn't sound familiar. Has she competed before? Well I'm happy to know that James will be competing this year. He's a really nice guy.

James is no longer with Igor. Isabella was Kurt Langingfelter's partner. They competed Intermediate last year.

[armchairsk8r]

Didn't Shannon Wingle skate with Kurt too before she skated with James?

[icefreak]

If James is no longer with Igor, who is he with? Did he go back to his old coach, Mark Poole, who is now coaching in Houston?

[WeBeEducated]

Yes, Shannon Wingle was Kurts partner in juvenile dance. they placed first at Junior Nats. Then, she skipped Intermediates and skated novice with James Warren last season, while Kurt went off to train with his new partner in the New York area . His arrangement was quite the talk of the rink...he was flown home whenever he wished!
I assume James will move to New York now.

[sk8ingMom]

[FONT=times new roman]All I can say is that some people are jealous - plain and simple. I guess Flo Steed is a better skater than your son, daughter and/or you. Sit back and enjoy the show because you are obviously not going anywhere. Also a note: Your writing skills show that you are lacking an education yourself. I think most local junior colleges are now enrolling, you better not miss the buss! :lol: ::idea:

[adrianchew]

Originally posted by sk8ingMom

All I can say is that some people are jealous - plain and simple. I guess Flo Steed is a better skater than your son, daughter and/or you. Sit back and enjoy the show because you are obviously not going anywhere. Also a note: Your writing skills show that you are lacking an education yourself. I think most local junior colleges are now enrolling, you better not miss the buss! :lol: ::idea:

I've said it before - if you have problems with a post, please report the post to the moderators. Posts such as this will not be tolerated, don't do it again - and speaking of others lacking education - you've shown yourself lacking common sense and manners. :roll:

Picking and belittling others in conversations, only reflects on the lack of maturity of the person posting. ~adrianchew~

[sk8ingMom]

adrianchew
Administrator

Registered: Mar 2002
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 1896
Status: Offline
Re: Azam356

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by sk8ingMom

All I can say is that some people are jealous - plain and simple. I guess Flo Steed is a better skater than your son, daughter and/or you. Sit back and enjoy the show because you are obviously not going anywhere. Also a note: Your writing skills show that you are lacking an education yourself. I think most local junior colleges are now enrolling, you better not miss the buss! :
__________________________________________________ __________I've said it before - if you have problems with a post, please report the post to the moderators. Posts such as this will not be tolerated, don't do it again - and speaking of others lacking education - you've shown yourself lacking common sense and manners.

Picking and belittling others in conversations, only reflects on the lack of maturity of the person posting. ~adrianchew~
__________________________________________________ __________
I was not belittling anyone only reflecting on their previous post to this board. I am also probally far more mature than many who post here. And, yes I do have a college education! I am not lacking in maturity,common sence or manners like some!

[OneHandClapping]

Whew! That was one heated ride.

And now, for something slightly, completely different...Paul Hurych is now with Lauren Hockel, skating Junior with Robbie Kane. Cailtlin Dail is with Nick SINCHAK, who was formerly with Lauren H. Some symmetry being that Paul's old partner Ashley Elliot is with Lauren's old partner Justin Thelan. And so it goes.

Hey...can't we all just get along? :)

[Azam356]

I don't know why when anyone has a different opinion than some people the other people get so defensive. I am not jealous of Flo or any other skater nor did I single her out and say anything derogatory. I said over and over I was talking of kids sent away without parental support and kids who received less than adequate educations. I know many kids who fit this mold -if Flo fits the mold she is one of many many but I dont know her plans and didn't single her or anyone out. Parents ae going to do what they want with their children-they aren't going to follow my opinions -nor should they so I dont know why you have to get so mean about just a discussion?Why are you getting so defensive about this? and why do people automatically assume others who have different opinions are jealous.I have no "fight " with anyone I just have my own set of opinions from what I have seen go on with many skaters and parents I have also seen many down to earth parents and kids who did it all. I don't believe I deserved a personal attack for voicing my opinions on an opinion board.

[armchairsk8r]

Are Justin and Ashley skating novice or junior ? Are they taking from Robbie Kane too?

[icedancefan]

Originally posted by icefreak
If James is no longer with Igor, who is he with? Did he go back to his old coach, Mark Poole, who is now coaching in Houston?

I believe that James will be training with Judy Blumberg while in New York with his new partner.

[icedancefan]

Originally posted by armchairsk8r
Didn't Shannon Wingle skate with Kurt too before she skated with James?

Yes, James Warren has skated with Kurt Lingenfelter's last two partners Shannon Wingle and now Isabella Tobias.
Shannon and Kurt won 2002 Junior Nationals in Juvenile.
Isabella and Kurt placed 4th at 2003 Junior Nationals in Intermediate.
Kurt Lingenfelter's new partner is Thankful Cromartie. They may compete intermediate dance this year if Igor Shpilband feels they have progressed enough. They intend to compete at Lake Placid in the open 14 step.
Good luck Isabella / James and Thankful / Kurt.

[Skatewind]

Originally posted by OneHandClapping
And now, for something slightly, completely different...Paul Hurych is now with Lauren Hockel, skating Junior with Robbie Kane. Cailtlin Dail is with Nick SINCHAK, who was formerly with Lauren H. Some symmetry being that Paul's old partner Ashley Elliot is with Lauren's old partner Justin Thelan. And so it goes.
It will be great to see what Robbie Kaine does with Hockel/Hurych. I like his programs.

[sonora]

For those who are interested, the following is a link to the NCAA site, where graduation rates for many colleges and universities are available. There are also many other studies available on this site, including an interesting one on drug use by college athletes, and some gender equity information.

http://www.ncaa.org/eligibility/cbsa/graduation.html

Synchro is getting pretty close to becoming recognized as an NCAA sport, and aspiring collegiate synchro skaters will want to review the Amateurism Issues section of this site.

[what?meworry?]

it' ba-ack...

17-18 junior:

(?)matthews/zavozin (easterns) also carried on senior list *
hockel/hurych (easterns)
copely/wensel (easterns)
cepican/lichtor (mids or easterns)
allepach/westenberger (pacifics)
mccollough/dear (mids or easterns)
devins/okeefe (easterns)
solomon/smith (easterns or pacifics)
frisch/hill (easterns or mids)
pratt/gilles (mids)
whetstone/cohen (mids or easterns)
donowick/unger (pacifics)
davis/white (mids)
rosenberg/bird (pacifics or mids)
prossack/mccrary (easterns or mids)
scott/clark (easterns) - added per post below
mallory/holdberg (pacifics or mids) - added per post below
scheumann/koleto (easterns or mids) - added per post below

24-26 novice:

(?)koob-doddy/antonelli (pacifics or easterns) (cp/sa) junior? assigned jgp
bradshaw-kreimer/dail (easterns)
samuelson/bates (mids) (egl)
noel/edellman (mids) (egl)
rosenthal/taylor (easterns) (sa)
scarincio/morrow (easterns) (na)
pennington/varraux (easterns) (sa)
donegan/comee (easterns) (ne)
mcguire/hill (pacifics or mids) (swp/sw)
weaver/clavey (mids or easterns) (sw/ne)
von zabern/marquardt (pacifics) (swp)
palmer/strucke (pacifics) (nwp)
calhoun/miller (pacifics) (swp)
mokris/meyers (mids) (sw)
mafazy/mafazy (mids) (egl)
lazarowitz/jarmuth (easterns or pacifics) (sa/swp)
elliot/thelen (easterns or pacifics)
kearn/klein (easterns)
mcclelland/fischl (easterns) (sa)
dail/sinchak (easterns)
tobias/warren (easterns or mids)
burgam/blandford (mids) (egl)
bosley/corona (easterns) (ne/sa) - per post below
bradford/wilson (pacifics) (swp) - per post below
chidi/kaplan (pacifics) (swp) - per post below

(*)at this point, equally possible---information of equal merit from two different posters.

[icemama]

Hey W.M.W. : Thanks for that buff list, you are with it!

[SouthernSk8rMom]

Regarding the list of novice teams, I think I heard some time ago that Christina and Will Chitwood from the Broadmoor were back together again as a novice team and planned to compete this year. Someone else needs to confirm whether this is true.

[love2dance]

Originally posted by what?meworry?
it' ba-ack...
21 or 22 novice:

(?)scott/clark (easterns) possibly junior?



Scott/Clark are skating Junior this season. They already have an OD put together.

[icegirls 2]

Any lists of intermediate teams for this season?

[what?meworry?]

Originally posted by icemama
Hey W.M.W. : Thanks for that buff list, you are with it!

actually, i'm not.

the first "list" was posted for junior and senior by icedancesk8er on 4-14 (i did a recap/update 5-15 but the senior list is now under a different thread).

i attempted a novice list when usfsa actually announced the assignments to this year's nacs (both novice and junior nacs) all at once (they didn't the last 2 years)---i combined the usfsa results information and partner search (also ice-dance.com's) to eliminate and add teams. i had nothing to do one day and i like statistics and lists.

BUT these lists only work 'cause enough people here contribute mostly accurate information about teams in their respective areas. i'm just the list "compiler."

so i hope everyone keeps up the good reporting.

[mack]

Another possible novice team that I think is competing this year-Kim Deveaux/Sam Mortimer?

[icemama]

OK, OK, whatmeworry, I won't compliment you again ):

[icemama]

The icon I meant to put on was actually :)

[what?meworry?]

just thought to check the "jackson series" for teams.

added burgam/blandford to novice on "the list."

[icemama]

ANd...Stacey Carter is skating with Dimitri somebody in Richmond, undoubedly they will skate junior?

[WeBeEducated]

burgam/blandford is another Mids team, right?
there are tons of novice teams at mids and easterns this year

[Abahple]

Add to the junior list Caitlin Mallory and Brent Holdberg (pacifics or mids).

[what?meworry?]

Originally posted by Abahple
Add to the junior list Caitlin Mallory and Brent Holdberg (pacifics or mids).

done.

i'm going to take evans/david (?)somebody off the list soon unless i hear otherwise. she's still on the partner searches, even the new picture site that the skaters control themselves (go to usfsa and/or ice-dance.com partner search lists to link to that site).

[Sylvia]

The following dance teams are registered for the Chesapeake Open:
http://www.baltofsc.org/Skatergroupings.pdf

Novice Dance:
Pilar Bosley & John Corona (East)

Intermediate Dance:
Lindsay Cohen & Evan Roberts (East)
Marissa Marschall/Torsten Joerger (East or Mids)
Laurel Schwab/Jonathan Kaiser (East)
Lilly Taylor/Josh Philips (East)

Also 2 Juvenile Dance teams.

[someone's mom]

I've heard a rumor that Anna Scheumann is skating with Justin Koleto - can anyone confirm?

[what?meworry?]

Originally posted by ladyluck
Flo Steed is going to be competing for france. Her partner's name is Jordi Rozzot (think that's how you spell it). She is moving there sometime in july.

just found this:

go to http://www.icepartnersearch.com
go to "search the listings" then to "search the database"
go to (alphabetical order by FIRST name) taninna portebos

click the video (if you don't have broadband or the equivalent, you'll need to download into your computer and then play it later).

there you will see jordi rozzot with his former partner, taninna (they had one jgp last season).

fyi, in addition to this listing from france, there are several from canada, one from hungary, switzerland, and thailand/texas(?)and the uk. it is also translated into french.

but it's still a small site compared to the other two.

[Harris!here!]

Peter Sasmore has a very strong Jr. team in Cal. who he has been working with since mid Feb. I do think we will be seeing them at L.P. Megan Brown & some kid by the name of Harris.


~Jon

[love2dance]

Originally posted by someone's mom
I've heard a rumor that Anna Scheumann is skating with Justin Koleto - can anyone confirm?

This is in fact true. They have been skating in the Philly area, but I believe they are planning on returning to Colorado fairly soon.

[what?meworry?]

just edited to delete evans/(?)somebody and
add scheumann/koleto into the junior mix

sk8erboi posted the list of dancers (and pairs) who attended the usfsa tryouts in march. there are currently 3 new teams formed from dancers who were there:

hockel/hurych
rosenberg/bird
scheumann/koleto

[WeBeEducated]

Jon ...congrats! I hope it works out for you and the new partner. Who is Megan?
I watched Jon's Mids program, and compulsory dances again this weekend...he has tremendous talent.
He reminds me of Platov so much.

[Harris!here!]

Thank you very much... I appreiate that. But I still hope I have improved since that tape. We'll see!


~Jon

[rubberducky]

Additional Novice Dance teams in SWP:
Bradford/Wilson
Chidi/Kaplan
Cuerillo/ ?
Looks like best place to go out of is mids...

[Impromptu]

The JGP list is out with some dance surprises... Koob-Doddy/Antonelli are doing a JGP event, so I guess they've moved up to junior.

Mccollough and Dear, not on the list... he's too old for junior internationals, but they're still together, yes?

[Abahple]

McCullough and Dear are still together, but indeed, he will be 22 this September, so is already too old for JGPs.

[snowflake]

koob-dodd/antoneli are skating novice again this year. they have a nacs not a jgp. they are working on novice compulsories and have a novice freedance.

they look great!

[snowflake]

just kidding...they do have a jgp..my bad.

[JKlink]

Why are they sending Koob-Doddy/Antonelli if they are staying novice? JK

[Trillian]

Sending K-D&A to the JGP makes sense if the USFSA has high hopes for them and wants them to get experience. Assuming they'll be contenders for assignments again next year, it'll help them if the international judges are already familiar with them (and vice versa). My guess would be that the USFSA has a high opinion of this team if they didn't even have to compete in a junior event to earn the assignment.

It's not the first time novices have been sent out to the JGP. Uhlig & Loomis went in pairs last year, and I recall Canada doing the same thing. It does strike me as a little unusual for dance, though, since it'll disrupt their training a bit with all those different dances. Otoh, I don't think it's a bad decision. K-D&A did well at nationals and they've been together a pretty long time for such a young team--doesn't hurt to give them a little boost. Besides, at this point the only other teams to be assigned are those who show up at Lake Placid, and there's plenty of room for another team or two (or more).

[what?meworry?]

this isn't the first time novices have transitioned into junior by doing the nac and then moving up. fyi, they're the same age as davis/white, if the nationals program is correct, all four of them born in '87.

when usfsa pulled juniors out of the jgp because of 9/11, i thought several teams who had placed 1-4 novice at nationals were assigned jgp events that year. (looked it up, i think both davis/white and solomon/cohen had nac and were assigned jgp as well that year.)
the team just keeps the same fd and lengthens it to minimum junior fd length requirement and adds an od. i believe they know the cd going into the jgp event well in advance.
m/z kept their novice fd and just extended it for junior last year by 10-15 seconds.

i'm going to shift k-d/a into junior, however. because i've never seen a team do this unless they planned to move up. if they're good enough to do a jgp they're competitive enough for junior this season. if they stay novice they'll lose valuable junior training time toward junior/junior int'l next year.

what is unusual is assigning any junior team below 7th a jgp. but we've lost half of the top 6 junior teams, and d/w are a long-standing team and have been consistently moving along in their development.

also, if i've looked at it correctly, there is only enough room for one more junior team to be assigned to 2 jgps. i'm assuming the 6 who have received one already will get another. (the only team that didn't get a second assignment last year was russell/metzger for a variety of reasons including his knee injury.)

does anyone know if usfsa is following the same rule that if a team places 4th or above in the first jgp they automatically get a 2nd?

[Twizzlers]

Originally posted by what?meworry?

i'm going to shift k-d/a into junior, however. i've never seen a team do this unless they planned to move up.

K-D/A are DEFINITELY doing NOVICE. This is as much a surprise to them as it is to everyone else!!

[what?meworry?]

i don't think usfsa publishes assignments without first talking to the coach and/or sending paperwork for the acceptance process.

given the jgp assignment, even though k-d/a placed 5th in novice last year, they got a silver in their isu international novice competition.

why stay back and repeat novice again when they could move up and practice junior skills for nationals that would be more valuable?

[ClevelandDancer]

I could see why a 5th place team would want to stay in the same division for another year, especially if they are on the younger side. The US team envelopes favor high placements at Nationals, and they might just prefer a medal at Novice than middle-back of the pack in Juniors.

[Trillian]

Originally posted by what?meworry?
also, if i've looked at it correctly, there is only enough room for one more junior team to be assigned to 2 jgps. i'm assuming the 6 who have received one already will get another.

I wouldn't assume that. Last year we only really had nine junior teams who were anywhere near international caliber at the time of the JGP. This year we have several new teams who should be promising; Frisch & Hill are likely a lock for that final spot after Lake Placid, but there will probably be at least one or two other couples who do well at LP too. If so, I suspect the teams who don't place in, say, the top six at their first event (which will probably be the case with a few of them) will not get a second shot. Last year the USFSA could afford to be lenient; this year, they've got more teams in the running for assignments.

As for K-D&A staying novice, I think it's a good decision for them this year. I can't see them finishing higher than 7th or 8th in juniors this year (too much competition); a novice medal will help them a lot more in terms of being set up for the 2004-05 season. If they were to win novice, they could probably go into the 2005 nationals as top five contenders depending who's still in juniors at that point, and they'd have no trouble getting onto the JGP again.

[Sylvia]

Originally posted by what?meworry?
i don't think usfsa publishes assignments without first talking to the coach and/or sending paperwork for the acceptance process.


From what I've heard in the past, this hasn't usually been the case, and the initial published assignments (like today's) can be the first time most, if not all, of the skaters find out about their internationals.

[what?meworry?]

true. and k-d/a have three more years of junior international eligibility after this year.

but, don't you think samuelson/bates will give them a good run for the gold this year?

about the surprise assignments----no, i've never heard of an assignment being made without usfsa first at least consulting the coach, and shortly thereafter, "acceptance" forms being sent to the team members. in this case in particular, it requires a novice team to train a different compulsory (unless this jgp specifies a novice cd) and add an od to their repertoire, no small task if they want to do at least a respectible job at the jgp. if they just found out now, they'd just be starting to look for od music today? while the jgp is 3 months away, it will still draw time away from their novice work. i'm just assuming the coach said it was ok and is confident they could handle it.

[Impromptu]

Originally posted by what?meworry?
true. and k-d/a have three more years of junior international eligibility after this year.

but, don't you think samuelson/bates will give them a good run for the gold this year?


Ok, admittedly, I haven't seen K-D/A skate since last year's Lake Placid, whereas I saw Samuelson & Bates at Lake Placid and Mids, but as of last Fall, I would have said that K-D/A had the advantage of speed, power, and footwork. Emily Samuelson gets into some really pretty lift positions, they were an enjoyable team to watch, it'll depend on how much they've improved since November. When was the last time the two teams directly competed against each other? S/B didn't compete in the novice Freedance at Lake Placid, they had different NAC events after that, and then S/B didn't get through Mids, so they didn't compete against each other at Nationals.

I really enjoyed K-D/A skate at Lake Placid, btw, they have a lot of the same kind of charisma that Steed and Hill had (~sniff~ sob~).

Way too soon to begin thinking about Nationals, lets get through Lake Placid and sectionals first. ;-)

[Abahple]

what?meworry?: The year that they withdrew all US skaters from the JGP series, the only novice teams who recieved assignments were Devins/O'Keefe, Cole/Ungar, Steed/Hill, and Russel/Metzger. The last three teams only recieved theirs after Placid, by the way.

As far as adding 30 second to a freedance, the junior FD has different requirements (circular footwork must be clockwise, and there must be 2 footwork sequences). Also, choreographing an OD is much easier said than done, especially if you don't even think about starting until this point in the season! It is the same length as a novice freedance! Since they were assigned to Slovakia, they will be doing the Quickstep, which they won't be training for novice competition (as opposed to if they had been assigned to Mexico or Croatia, which will be the Paso, also a novice dance this year).

Really, I have the feeling that this is just a case of the USFSA and the coaches failing to communicate. I happen to know that certain other coaches of dance teams were not consulted before these assignments were made. I would not be at all surprised if K-D/A declined.

I am not saying anything about K-D/A's skating ability, since I have not watched them enough to comment. But simply from a practical standpoint, it would be detrimental to their training to spend valuable time on programs that they would only compete once. Possibly the USFSA is looking at the results from Helmut (where they placed 2nd) as an indication of their international potential.

One more factor to consider is that the USFSA pays for the athletes' flights, and it's cheaper to book now than in a month. Just a thought ;) .

[Trillian]

Originally posted by Abahple
The year that they withdrew all US skaters from the JGP series, the only novice teams who recieved assignments were Devins/O'Keefe, Cole/Ungar, Steed/Hill, and Russel/Metzger.

And that was notable because Solomon & Cohen had actually placed ahead of two of those teams at nationals, but were planning to stay novice another year so weren't considered for assignments. Which is one reason K-D&A's assignment surprised me.

Really, I have the feeling that this is just a case of the USFSA and the coaches failing to communicate. I happen to know that certain other coaches of dance teams were not consulted before these assignments were made.

It seems like a silly thing for the USFSA to do if that's the case, but it wouldn't surprise me. I've known of skaters who weren't sure which internationals they were getting until they went up on the USFSA site. And I definitely remember that at least half the JGP skaters who were withdrawn in 2001 didn't know about that decision until the change was made on the web site.

I would not be at all surprised if K-D/A declined.

I wouldn't blame them if they did. Everything you pointed out is a reasonable consideration. Otoh, if they do take the assignment, it's early enough in the season that spending less time on their novice dances probably wouldn't hurt them too much at nationals. (I can't imagine they'll have any trouble at sectionals.) Still, you're right--they have to consider the value of training dances they may only perform once this season.

[mack]

Any update on the lists now that Lake Placid has posted the groupings, etc.

[Icesk8dance]

Originally posted by what?meworry?
it' ba-ack...

17-18 junior:

(?)matthews/zavozin (easterns) also carried on senior list *
hockel/hurych (easterns)
copely/wensel (easterns)
cepican/lichtor (mids or easterns)
allepach/westenberger (pacifics)
mccollough/dear (mids or easterns)
devins/okeefe (easterns)
solomon/smith (easterns or pacifics)
frisch/hill (easterns or mids)
pratt/gilles (mids)
whetstone/cohen (mids or easterns)
donowick/unger (pacifics)
davis/white (mids)
rosenberg/bird (pacifics or mids)
prossack/mccrary (easterns or mids)
scott/clark (easterns) - added per post below
mallory/holdberg (pacifics or mids) - added per post below
scheumann/koleto (easterns or mids) - added per post below


Additions to the ongoing list:
Stacy Carter/Demitre Overchuk
Katrina Reyes/Jon Wright
Norina D'Agostini/Levi McDonough
Lauren Chrien/David Gordon
Danielle Bree Sanders/Ross Brown
Megan Brown/Jonathon Harris

How about Novice and Seniors, anyone have a list from Placid?

[love2dance]

According to the Lake Placid Website the Novice teams signed up to do comps. are:

Alla Kempf/Peter Cook
Adrienne Koob-Doddy/Robert Antonelli
Jane Summersett/Elliot Pennington
Pilar Bosley/John Corona
Suzanne Lszarowitz/Nathan Jarmuth
Katie Wyble/Chad Reinhold
Annie Maguire/Charlie Hill
Christina Chitwood/Will Chitwood
Cecily Mesa/Kiel Leighton
Alexandra Bradshaw-Kreier/Matthew Dail
Elizabeth Martin/Tom Manion
Laura Kearns/Jonathen Klein
Isabella Tobias/James Warren
Michelle Pennington/Zachary Varraux
Ashley Taylor/Jonathan Toman
Michelle Koeslag
Stuart Self
Stephanie Seigen
Jay Lilly
Kaitlyn Weaver/Charles Clavey
Elizabeth Palmer/Ryland Stuckle
Thea vonZabem/Lucas Marquerdt
Blake Rosenthal/Calvin Taylor
Cathy Reed/Chris Reed
Stacy McClellan Peter Fischl
Megan Calhoun/Kevin Miller
Sarah Noel/Karl Edelmann
Emily Samuelson/Evan Bates
Caitlin Dail/Nichoals Sinchak
Ashley Elliott/Justin Thelen
Michaelee Scarincio/Justin Morrow
Gillian Goddard/Brandon McGee

And the same teams are signed up for freedance, with the addition of
Ariane Emard-Lauzon/partner's name not listed - I'm guessing Canadian?

It should be interesting to find out who is doing Senior!
Love2Dance

[sunshine21]

What about K-D/A sizes. They are very close in height, sometimes she looks taller than him. Does anyone think this is a concern for the USFSA?

[candlelight]

K-D/A skate at our rink. He has grown a bit since Nationals and is now at least 3 inches taller than she. He just turned 16, his voice is just starting to change and he is clearly not finished growing yet. She, on the other hand, has not grown taller at all this year.

[OneHandClapping]

Matthew Dail's partner's name is ALEXA Bradshaw-Kreimer, not Alexandra. Will there be senior teams competing? If so, why aren't they listed now? Also, can someone explain about the international assignments? I know there are some still to be filled (are there and where?), and they are chosen from Lake Placid & Indy? Just based on placement or is it more subjective? That is your assignment, if you choose to accept it!

[PlatniumAngel]

I am glad to see Stacey Carter has a new partner. Another Russian! I hope they do well at LP.

[JKlink]

The dance assignments will probably come from LP and the Pairs from Indy. The question is, will they make all of the assignments or wait to see how the couples do after their first JGP? It will be a little harder on the dancers if they wait because they won't be practicing the Paso and Quick knowing that they don't have to do them at sectionals and Nationals.

My list of junior teams to watch at LP:

Pratt & Gilles - this looks to be a really good team
Frisch & Hill - they look good based on past results with other partners
Donowick & Ungar - should be even better this year
Solomon & Smith - both have good records and they are working with Klimova and Ponomarenko
Davis & White - I like this couple and hope they have a good year
Devins & O'Keefe - not listed as doing the CDs and they have always had great CDs.
Brown & Harris - who knows, but Jon is always worth watching
Cepican & Licthor - I have heard good things about them, so they are on my list.

[Trillian]

Originally posted by JKlink
Frisch & Hill - they look good based on past results with other partners
Donowick & Ungar - should be even better this year

This is likely to be the most interesting thing to watch in U.S. junior dance this season. (Assuming Matthews & Zavozin have moved up, which I think is probably the case.) A few other teams might be factors, but odds are these will be the two couples in contention for the national title. Even if F&H end up winning, D&U still have quite a long time left to compete at the international junior level, so there's no rush for them. F&H only have this season, so let's hope they can make the most of it.

Solomon & Smith - both have good records and they are working with Klimova and Ponomarenko

I thought Andrew had a lot of potential when I saw him way back in novice (never did see him compete in juniors), so I'm glad he was finally able to find a suitable partner. I'm hoping for the best for this team, and the K&P coaching should definitely be a bonus. Unfortunately I think this is another couple with only one year left at the junior level--isn't he 20 by now?

[JKlink]

Originally posted by Trillian
Even if F&H end up winning, D&U still have quite a long time left to compete at the international junior level, so there's no rush for them. F&H only have this season, so let's hope they can make the most of it. I can't wait to see how F&H matchup, their styles were very different.

I'm hoping for the best for this team, and the K&P coaching should definitely be a bonus. Unfortunately I think this is another couple with only one year left at the junior level--isn't he 20 by now? According to the Boston National site, Andrew's birthday is 8/2/1982, so this would be his last year at junior. I never saw him skate, but K&P have produced several couples who have done well, but then quit or split. I think that K&P pick interesting music and then support it with great choreography.

[Abahple]

Just a quick note, Donowick/Ungar will not be competing at Lake Placid, due to the fact that he has come down with mono.

As unfortunate as this is, it should create some good opportunities for some of the newer teams.

[what?meworry?]

Originally posted by Abahple
Just a quick note, Donowick/Ungar will not be competing at Lake Placid, due to the fact that he has come down with mono.

As unfortunate as this is, it should create some good opportunities for some of the newer teams.

for real? that's devastating! if it's really, really mono, like the nasty college kids' version, he's going to be out of action training-wise for quite a while. i don't think there's a mild version of mono.

can any qualified person provide some details about how long people have to rest before they're able to be active again? or do i not understand the illness correctly?

[love2dance]

Originally posted by what?meworry?
can any qualified person provide some details about how long people have to rest before they're able to be active again? or do i not understand the illness correctly?

I had mono a few years back, not a bad version, and I was only in bed about a week. However, my best friend got it at the same time (pretty obvious that it was the same strand) and she was out of it for a good month and a half before she was even able to walk more than 5 minutes at a time. I completely lost my appitite, while she didn't. I lost more energy in the 7 days I was out then she did in the month + that she was... so it depends on the person, and how their body reacts to it.

[what?meworry?]

well, i hope it's one of those mild bouts with mono. it would be a shame if they missed their jgp, although it could be rescheduled to one of the later dates.

[sk8ergurl]

does anyone know the good teams this year for Juvenile-Senior? A lot of new teams!

[sk8ergurl]

Originally posted by Sylvia
Fiona Donegan/ Ian Comee (5th in Intermediate at JN) have been added to the novice dance event at Thornhill:
http://www.usfsa.org/programs/athprog/nacs.htm


Yes this is correct, Donegan/Comee will compete at Thornhill, but not at Lake Placid because of her recent foot injury.

Good Luck To Them!:)

[Sylvia]

I noticed in the Thursday Lake Placid dance results at
http://www.orda.org/skating/IceDncThurs.htm
that Tiffany Butz (Univ of Del. FSC) is partnered with Cheun-Gun Lee (Univ of Del. FSC) - the same guy from Korea who was reportedly skating with Kate Slattery earlier in this thread?

[Trillian]

Originally posted by Sylvia
I noticed in the Thursday Lake Placid dance results at
http://www.orda.org/skating/IceDncThurs.htm
that Tiffany Butz (Univ of Del. FSC) is partnered with Cheun-Gun Lee (Univ of Del. FSC) - the same guy from Korea who was reportedly skating with Kate Slattery earlier in this thread?

Yup, and as far as I know, they're still together. I seem to remember that there were a couple of "teams" competing in the open dances last season who weren't actual teams--Oleg Fediukov partnered one girl, for example. Is this a common thing, perhaps?--guys partnering girls who aren't their official partners, just so the girls have the opportunity to get out there?

[viv64]

Originally posted by Trillian
Yup, and as far as I know, they're still together. I seem to remember that there were a couple of "teams" competing in the open dances last season who weren't actual teams--Oleg Fediukov partnered one girl, for example. Is this a common thing, perhaps?--guys partnering girls who aren't their official partners, just so the girls have the opportunity to get out there?

Yes, Kate Slattery and Chuen-Gun are a team. He was doing the open dances as a coach.

[mack]

just wanted to bump this up-- any additions to the lists for novice and jr. teams? Who did not make it to Lake Placid? and any word on teams that have gotten together since Placid or have broken up?

[ohiosk8]

Have Matthews & Zavozin gone Senior?

Are the Reys competing for the USA?

Of the teams that have the option of two sections, have any of them decided where they will compete?

[what?meworry?]

and i have another question.
following lake placid, have any teams split?

i pulled all the results that were posted for lp and indy (not much), so if there is anything useful to add, i can refresh "the list" but not much point in it if there's no new info.
by the way, just 'cause a team didn't go to lp, especially novice, doesn't mean they've split.

according the the lp results, rey/rey represent u of del fsc, so they're skating for usfsa again.

the team's choice as to where to compete will only be known after the sign up for regionals. and that info is not readily available. usfsa doesn't post a roster of competitors for the qualifiers the way the lp folks do.