(5/8/09)

New photos posted! 2009 AN photos

(4/30/09)

A little more from AN . . . the ASC meeting notes are now posted on the USFS Adult Skating pages. Please be sure to ask questions, make suggestions or offer any ideas you may have to our committee leadership!

2009 AN photos are now posted!

(4/27/09) – Part Deux

The Unmentioned
Music people are most often not mentioned. I am taking this moment to recognize the long hours and great attitudes of Bill Bikle, Bill Donachie, Everett Yagud and Tom Clarke. These guys are always at large competitions, and work endlessly at playing music at just the right sound level. It takes a great ear for this. Also, the officials work from sun up to sun down, and sit in the freezing rink, albeit in long warm coats, judging program after program. We hope you had a great time with us in Grand Rapids, and we all thank you from the bottom of our skates!
 
The Competitors’ Party
This was a great party! Lots of people were there . . . the requisite conga line made its appearance . . . Rob L-P, what happened at the party?!?!? Did someone get married? . . . a local walked in and was surprised to see his watering hole sol busy . . . but then began to look around appreciatively . . . To my friends, Rosebud, Chico, Bear, Ashley, Oscar and of course, Frenzy Juarez, you know who you are. LOVE YOU!
 
The Trip Home
Jennifer Simon was lucky enough to fly home to Houston with a bump up to 1st class. What?? Did you flash them that diamond? I must not be sultry enough. I got bumped OUT of 1st class when they downsized our plane. That, plus a four hour unscheduled wait in Chicago. *Sigh* . . . Joanna Ramberg was left alone at the Denver airport after an impromptu party of AN skaters at the GR airport. But a good group! Century Leigh, Brandy Lokken, Dave Tsai, Molly MacGowan, Leslie Amacker, Elizabeth McGlauflin, and at least seven other skaters. I have been stranded in airports with several of these lovely people in the past. Not too shabby . . . Ms. Williams-Sotelo had to change planes three times, but eventually made it to L.A. (no, not Lower Alabama), and the Festival of Books . . . Julie G waited on board a plane on Detroit for far too long, Leslie Amacker had the right (?) spin on it all . . . “Some of us slept in. . . so we could spend all day at the airport!”

I had a great time meeting so many of you whom I have only known via email. It was so much fun, as always. Now that we are all back to real life . . .  I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

You can catch the next act right here on INCrowd - direct from Buffalo . . . Happy skating!

(4/27/09) – Part Uno

Sorry for the delay in information, but getting out of Grand Rapids yesterday was blog worthy all unto its own. Apparently I was not alone in this quest. Flights had been canceled the previous night, forcing some, like Ms. Williams-Sotelo, to enjoy the company of the rest of us at the competitors’ party. And party they did! I’ll get back to that.

For now, let’s get on with the wrap up from the 2009 AN . . . After all was said and done, the wonderful co-chairs, Leslie Plank, Melissa Garland, Denise Hendershot, and Jennifer Schindler were commenting on the end of AN when thunder struck. These ladies made personal sacrifices. There was no evident drama. They exhibited a cool and calm demeanor and set the tone for the whole event.  Thunder and storms happened all day long, but it seemed fitting at the end. Like a clap of approval from the heavens. Well deserved ladies, well deserved.

Lauren Day’s virtual Figure Skating Tossies on Facebook has reached over 1,500 thrown in six days. She said she would stop counting. NOT . . . Mike Cruz has dubbed 2009 AN “Shangri-La”. “It truly was a mystical event”, said Mike. “The magic of good sportsmanship and good will toward each and every competitor permeated the air.”

Elizabeth Risberg rocked the Ladies Interp. with her Roy Orbison number. They weren’t being shy. They laughed LOUD! Cindy Crouse was so amazing in Champ Gold Ladies, she wondered if it was all a dream. Not a dream. Yes Cindy, there is a fabulous gold medal around your neck. The crowd never roared so loud. Except for Roy Orbison. Maybe.

Sara Robertson is now enjoying her Champ Masters Junior-Senior Ladies (whew, that’s a mouthful) Pewter medal. She awoke the next day to a LARGE picture of herself on the front page of on Icenetwork.com. Go Sara! I mean, err, Rosebud. Sara also coached her student Phillip Manzo to the silver medal in Silver Men I, and gold in Men Artistic/Dramatic Interp. I-III. Busy gal!

And now, I wish to take the opportunity to crown Ms. Lori Fussell the “Queen of Interp. Cleverness”. Every year, and I mean EVERY year, she manages to create a new Interp. number that just plain rocks. Her David Letterman Top 10 program was to die for. I announced her event and was thrilled to see it up close. . . Michelle Lotz was everywhere you want to be. A former Gold Ladies competitor, Michelle came to AN just to support her So Cal friends. Beautiful soul, positive energy.

On the Olympic ice in Championship Dance . . . what can we say here except, Julie Keith and Mike Ricigliano won their SEVENTH championship title! Anna Li and William Eastler sailed smoothly to a silver medal capture, and Dave & Deb Gaultier were elegant as pirates for the bronze medal. Here I must take a moment to thank my colleagues, Kianoosh Samii and Walter Horton, for their never ending insight into the intricacies of Ice Dance. Oh, one more thing about dance - Harvaths in the house! 

The new Solo Dance event appears to have been a big hit. What do you think skaters? Please send me your feedback. On Sunday while many of were trying to leave GR, the annual Social Dance session was held. Kianoosh was seen displaying his smooth as silk edges and speeding a few of the ladies around the ice. How late did you stay at the party??

I wish I could have made it to the Championship Pairs event. I heard that Judy Sargent and Craig Joeright claimed their second straight title. I saw their skate here on IN from 2008. If it was anything like that (which was GREAT), I am sure it was a sight to behold!

Hmmm, so much more to say . . . Rochard Sabatini's very funny hockey number . . . Joan Chanel with her unbelievable flexibility . . . a couple of incredible skaters who unfortunately got DQ’d due to the Interp. Prop rules . . . Amy Entwistle’s creativity, Natalie Shaby’s signature double Axel, and Alexandra Dunne-Bryant’s many double-doubles, all showing their grit in the Champ Masters Junior-Senior skate . . . Karissa Fitzgerald – what a strong skater . . . a shout out to the MN skaters from LMK - Chris Williams, Lisa Veith, Colleen Barber, The Gevings and Jane Barrash. See? I got them all! I hope.
   
In other news . . . Rob Lichtefeld ate a banana phone. Becca Guthrie strikes again . . . Century Leigh un-donated a pair of “tossie socks” to wear. Her only other option was 6 inch purple heels . . . A word to the wise – don’t whisper in the announcers’ ears during events. You never know what will come out of their mouth.

More to come . . .

(4/25/09)

Championships Intermediate-Novice . . . a new event this year that proved to be well worth it. The skating was beautiful. Julie Gidlow was simply enchanting and received 3rd! Beth Delano was on fire for first place, and Elizabeth McGlauflin was wonderful and took 4th! Go gals! Sadly, a long time adult skater and crowd favorite, Jenny Needham-Wall, started a lovely program that had so much promise. Then she took off on a jump, and came down on her knee. She was unable to complete her program, and had to leave for medical attention. Jenny, we all love you and wish you a speedy recovery.

On the concourse . . . Sharidan Williams-Sotelo was showing off her well earned gold medal from Interpretive. Sharidan skated while Frank Sinatra sang “That’s Life”, pouring her heart into another tribute to her late coach, Jim Yorke. Sharidan claims to be a drama virgin. Her friend said she had never seen Sharidan skate in a serious mood. Who knew?

Bradley Erickson was graceful in his Interpretive program this afternoon, as was Thom Mullins. Bradley mentioned that Lloyd Eislers’ mother is in attendance with Llod and his adult pair teams. After watching Bradley skate, she exclaimed, “That was a good skate. And I’ve seen a lot of skating!”

Feedback is coming in for the new Solo Dance event. This is the first of a two year trial period for the event. Lots of good comments. The skaters LOVE it!

Now I’m off to watch Championship Masters Ladies Junior-Senior. Go Natalie! I’ll be updating on Twitter from the event . . .

(4/24/09) – Part Three

Holy cow,  so much to talk about . . . let's start with the Champ Gold Ladies . . . how about Cindy Crouse everyone??!? (((applause))). That gal is amazing. So strong, confident and what a smile. She was elated with her gold medal performance, and it was well deserved. Just a hair behind her were Cynthia Jacobsen and Jenna Graciano. Cynthia skated great in a cute black and pink polka dot dress. Jenna was elegance personified in a dark blue beaded dress, and skated her beautiful heart out. Backstage, tears and excitement welled up in many eyes as Cindy Crouse jumped up and down at hearing of her win. You couldn't hear a thing though because the crowd was so enamored of her, they cheered louder than my three kids can yell. And boy howdy that's loud.

At the Pre Bronze Dance final, cowbells were ringing . . . in Champ Gold Men, Marco Pizzo's first go at Champ Gold was elegant with his Romeo & Juliet program. Marco was rewarded with a Bronze medal, just behind gold medalist Stephen Trzaska, and silver medalist Dennis Palaganas . . . Jay Kobayashi looks stunning in a white fur coat while coaching Gary Klingbergs . . . and this just in - Becca Guthrie as a live tossie? Yes folks, it really happened.

I ran into Erin Westphal in the lobby and though she looked cute, I wondered why she was in her pajamas at 5pm. I mean, I threw a jacket over my jammies to go down to breakfast this morning, but that was at 9am. The answer came a little later on when she skated her Interp number in the pajamas. Ah ha! I should have known. In the Men's Interpretive, Thom Mullins channeled Charlie Brown gaining his confidence as a skater . . . Phillip Manzo was as smooth as ever, coached by Masters Senior silver medalist Sara Robertson. Nicely done!

And last but not at all the least, the Championship Master Juinor-Senior Men was Ah-Maze-Ing! Larry Holliday did not disappoint, landing a nice triple Salchow and skating to the prettiest version of "Stairway to Heaven" I have ever heard. Davin Grindstaff offered his signature grace to us all and turned in a gorgeous performance. The most beautiful thing about Davin's skating is how quiet his edges are. Truly wonderful in skating. One of my favorite moves of the night was watching Edward Van Campen's spirals. That man has a gift.

One final comment for tonight . . . an official who has never been to AN beforewas heard commenting that prior to coming here they were not particularly a fan of adult skating. Now that they have experienced it, they can see the passion with which the skaters perform, and the true support we all give to one another. Yep. We have a new fan.

Me, I'm just happy I was able to wear my skinny jeans today.

Good night Grand Rapids!

(4/24/09) – Part Two

All results are not up and current on Icenetwork. Thank you for your patience!

Lori Fussell – what can I say? AWESOME program! If you have never seen David Letterman’s late Night Top 10, Lori’s program will fill you in. “The Top 10 Most Overplayed Pieces of Skating Music” earned the ever clever Ms. Fussell all 1sts from the judges. And well deserved! Lori had this to say, “It was so much fun and a fantastic audience! I’m still smiling.”

Elsewhere in Interpretive . . . Jennifer Simon playing sultry to the judges as a diamond thief . . . Diana Graser-Simons elegant handling of a hula hoop . . . Jenna Whitney was pretty as a sad clown . . .

While everyone’s bodies are working hard at staying warm in the rinks, the outside temperature has decided to heat up to a pleasant 80 degrees. So who needs a coat?

Lynne Kuechle should be here. Since she isn’t, I’ll pass along that she is proud of everyone and happy they are skating well. “She's also learning that ice dance can be hazardous to one's health. Ouch.”

On a serious note . . . the LOC here is of course doing a great job. But it should be known that two of the four chairs became pregnant AFTER the bid was awarded. Melissa Garland and husband Dave had their beautiful son William very premature. But I am happy to report that they are all doing very well! Leslie Plank is due shortly with her son. These women continued to plan and organize AN for us all, and did a remarkable job. Congratulations to them and their team again.

Now back to our regularly scheduled, slightly irreverent and whimsical news . . . the vendors here at AN have great items, all covered in bling, but of course. Random: Monday is ‘National Buttercream Frosting Day’. If you ask me, I will tell you why.

Ciao!

(4/24/09)

Gail Sombati's Weeping Wiillow was not weeping. Nonetheless, it's all about the dress . . . Tossies abound on Facebook as all of you who are at home send them to those who are here. Lost of good luck wishes and "Don't forget to smile"s!

As for me, well, it turns out Michigan is on eastern time. Did I already say that? I probably did. I'm used to sleep deprivation. But I digress. So let's get on to the real news . . .

The concourse above the two rinks is quite warm. All the vendors are out in full force with their wares, and the bulletin boards and results boards are right in the middle. (Pictures later on.) Spotted chatting around the arena . . . Champ Masters Ladies competitor, Natalie Shaby, along with Michelle Lotz who is not competing this year. Always willing to pitch in is Terryl Allen, who is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. New mom Allison Manley was there grinning from ear to ear, happy to have a small break.

Last night after the events ended, the Adult Skating Committee held its annual meeting, a la casual, in the registration area of the arena. Chief Referee, Wayne Hundley, spoke about the MIF revisions coming up at Governing Council. I offered a quick tutorial to all in attendance on the process by which rules get changed, and how a Request for Proposal (RFA) finds its way to Governing Council. Please educate yourselves! It's atcualyl pretty interesting. But then, I'm a bit of a geek.

After the meeting, I had a chance to watch the Champ Masters Men in practice. Davin Grindstaff was intop form with a double -loop/doubel-loop/double-loop and great speed. That guy is just plain elegant. Larry Holliday was also spotted, along with Edward Van Campen and ever cheerful Ted Gradman. Ted has a gorgeous Bauer. Can't wait to watch the event!

Wayne Hundley was emphatic that the motto of this event should be having fun. So let's see . . . do the officials enjoy this event as much as we do? I myself am announicng here, along with the mellifluous and dare I say, dulcet, tones of Jim McNab and Elizabeth Risbgerg. Sitting up on the judges stand is a great vantage point. I can tell you first hand, that the officials DO enjoy it all. I even got suckered into doing the wave. By a referee. Who did NOT also do the wave. Just me. Hmm, you know who you are. All I can says is - karma.  Then there is the copy machine that ate Justin Dillon's pencil. Not much more to say about that.

So, east coast ladies on a boat . . . enough said. More later!

(4/23/09)

A long travel night it was. First a red eye, then a drive up to GR from Chicago. Anxious to get to GR, I was rocketing along I-94 flipping through the radio stations and settled on “Pinball Wizard” blasting from the speakers. It was too pretty a drive not to rock out. I would have mellowed out after that, but then “Born to be Wild” came on. Yeah, that’s me. Somewhere along the drive I lost another hour as the time zone changed to Eastern time. I know I was tired, but when the hotel clock says 2pm, the car says 1pm and my phone says 11am, I was beginning to wonder what to do.

One I finally arrived at Patterson Ice Arena, it was evident that all was going well and everyone was enjoying the competition. If I haven’t mentioned it already, the LOC is doing a phenomenal job! Kudos to Denise Hendershot and her entire team at the Greater Grand Rapids FSC. They even put an extra special touch in the locker room - baskets with sewing kits and super glue (for cementing those pesky stones back onto the dress), among other items. 

On to tidbits . . .  Sara Robertson was 2nd after the Artistic and was very excited . . . Julie Gidlow is cleaning up this AN. She won the Fourteenstep, the Tango and Masters Novice II. Go gold Ms. Gidlow! Pierre Panayi and Joanna Rupinksas meandered about the lobby . . . Happy birthday Larry Scibilia . . . Les Ascher is so kind – he laces up partner Ellen Zurfluh’s skaters for her . . . Liz Chase, everyone here misses you. Gina, you too.

Over at the NHL rink, Solo Dance was running smoothly. Gail Sombati claims to have forgotten two steps in the Fiesta. Wasn’t it called the MUYOS?? Next up - the Weeping Willow.

If you just stand still in one spot, everyone you know in skating will pass by eventually. I walked in the door at 3:30pm, and within 15 minutes, I saw one person after another. I barely took two steps and ran into more people . . . it’s a nice thing at AN to see everybody.

Joanna Ramberg reported in that she did not like practice ice at Griff's Ice House. Hard ice, verrry cold. Colder than Patterson?? Hmm . . .

Though disappointed in her skate, Lori Fussell regrouped with some quality retail therapy.

Rob Litchefeld had the most, ummmm.. "interesting" tossies: lacy undies & a marriage proposal! LOL! (See my "2009 Adults National" album for the marriage proposal.)

A special shout out to the officials here. Keep up the great work. We appreciate you!

Tonight . . . the Adult Skating Committee meeting will take place. Notes posted online in the next few days.

p.s. Hi Wendy Bauer!

(4/22/09) - Part Two

Checking back in with Joanna Ramberg . . . she skated a mostly clean program, and barely missed qualifying for finals. Congrats to Alexei Folger who did qualify. Joanna is proud of you! Terri Chadwick was also happy with her clean skate in Bronze Ladies III.

A new face on the scene this year is Bryan Smith. Bryan was featured in the March issue of Men's Health Magazine (p. 80). He skated a nice program in his Bronze FS event. He even signed an autograph on his page in Men’s Health. Guys? Are you watching this? We need more males in this sport!

At the Adult Men’s Interpretive event, Michael Cruz dedicated his program to his late coach, the great Jim Yorke. "He left us way too soon," said Michael. “It was a very meaningful performance to me personally. We all miss him so.”  

And now, I am off to finish packing, kiss the kids good night, and catch a plane to GR to experience all of this in person. See you all tomorrow!

p.s. If you have news you would like to see posted here, please email me!

(4/22/09)

The competition has officially started. And in honor of that, the sun decided to shine today. The officials are here of course, and animals are flying (no, not real ones) as the Bronze and Silver qualifying and final rounds begin. The temperature is nice - not California or South Texas nice, according to Jennifer Simon, but much better than the cold, rainy backdrop of yesterday

Joanna Ramberg was beside herself at, what?? 5:03am?? Oh, right, this is figure skating. Everyone is up early.  Evan Lysacek accepted her FB friend request just before she left the hotel to compete. Considering this good luck, Joanna is sure she is in for a great day. Good luck JR!

Later on in the afternoon, Cheryl Morrison had a report from Silver Ladies I. “It was a tough group and there was some great skating overall.” A tie for first between Danielle Konfal and Rochelle Revor put Kimeberly Ellsworth in third and Brandy Lokken in fourth. Both Danielle and Rochelle landed axels, but Rochelle’s was slightly two footed. Rochelle had excellent speed and spins and Danielle showed off her gorgeous camel spin and great flow. Rachel Kuhn (5th place) left the ice with the most “tossies”.

Speaking of “tossies”, you can throw a virtual “tossie” to someone on Facebook at “Figure Skating Tossies”.  This was made especially for AN skaters and friends by Lauren Day, Gold Ladies skater who isn’t skating this year. We’ll miss you Lauren!
 
Check back for more later . . .

(4/21/09)

Word on the street, errr, the ice, is that the rink is chilly but the people are warm. So far all is very organized. Skaters are pleased that the pro shop is fully stocked. Leslie Amacker is happy the skate sharpener did a good job on her blades . . . the ice quality is reported to be hard and fast . . . Leslie also reports that when watching the gold dancers, “Lauren Zell just floats across the ice.”

Jenna Whitney says, “So far this is an amazing AN! Love the incredibly warm and inviting atmosphere and the friendly MI people!” But the real question is – what does Road Kill Duck think? And where is Erin Stearns in all of this?

A report from Cheryl Morrison’s club, Skating Club of Natick, indicates that member and Championship Masters Junior/Senior competitor, Devon Dillon, has withdrawn. Cheryl is disappointed her teammate won’t be at AN.

This morning Joanne Rupinskas partook of the infamous “Cookie Man’s” wares. “Jay the Cookie Man” made 80 dozen cookies. Joanne is grateful for Jay’s thoughtfulness in considering diabetics, gluten allergies etc. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal, almond bar . . . both boy & girl cookies. “His cookies are awesome!!”

Jay, will you have any left on Thursday? Save me something with chocolate pleeeeeease!

A note to those who haven't yet scheduled practice ice: it is NOT a great idea to schedule them back to back for an entire hour. Or so says Joanna Ramberg. She says she survived, but, “OWWWW!!”

The most exciting thing to report thus far, is Elizabeth Risberg’s culinary prowess in a hotel room. Though the kitchen is small, it’s amazing what she can whip up on two burners -- just like Girl Scouts. Does a tripped fire alarm count as spicy hot food? In all fairness, she was preparing poached halibut and the olive oil hit its smoking point while she was distracted by "Dancing with the Stars". Can you say GILLES and cook at the same time? Or is just saying it considered cooking?

(4/20/09)

Now that the 2009 adult nationals is upon us, the excitement is mounting! Facebook is such a popular tool these days, and many skaters can be found posting bits and pieces of their travel experiences on the way to Grand Rapids. Some of the more common comments include the thrill of getting skates on board the plane and through TSA. So far I have not heard of any weather or TSA delays.


From the event itself, skaters are checking in, practice ice is starting up, and more skaters are arriving hourly. Stay tuned for more and follow me on Twitter too!

(4/15/09)

The 15th U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships kick off in Grand Rapids, MI, April 22 - April 25, 2009. Held annually since 1995, the U.S. Adult Championships are the most prestigious adult figure skating event in the United States. Sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating, this year’s event is being hosted by the Greater Grand Rapids FSC at the Patterson Ice Arena.

“We are thrilled to have the Championships in Grand Rapids for the first time,” said Lexi Rohner, Chair of the U.S. Figure Skating Adult Skating Committee. “With the growing number of adult athletes participating, we look forward to excellent competition and a wonderful event.”

The U.S. Adult Championships debuted in 1995 to offer an opportunity for all ages and levels of skaters to compete at the highest level among their peers. The organizers of the 1995 event in Wilmington, Del., expected 100 competitors, but 421 signed up and competed in 626 starts (competitors often take part in more than one event). Last year in Chicago, Illinois, more than 600 athletes participated, and even more are expected to compete this year.

The prestigious Championship Masters and Championship Gold events are some of the highlights of the week. Skaters in these events qualify for the U.S. Adult Championships by placing in the top four at their respective sectional championships. At this top level of adult skating, fans can expect to see a few triples jumps, and a plethora of doubles, including the difficult double axel.

Stephanie Ewing, 26, the 2008 champion, will compete for the title again in Championship Masters Ladies, taking on 2006 medalist,  Natalie Shaby, 45. Shaby currently coaches skating, and is a former Canadian junior silver medalist and international competitor. A dedicated athlete, Shaby ran the Los Angeles Marathon the day following her 2007 nationals qualifying event.

Fierce competition and numerous triple jumps in the Championship Masters Men’s event are expected with the return of both 2007 champion, Davin Grindstaff, 39, 2005 champion, and triple jump pioneer Larry Holliday, 44.

Solo Dance, a new event begins this year as well. Competitors range in age from 21 to those in their 60s and 70s. Many hold full-time jobs; some skated as children, and many are competing for the first time. Their determination and love for the sport shines through during the four-day event.