Mariah skated with a partner at the intermediate level in 2006 while Gene skated professionally in shows around the country.  By the time he returned home to Greensboro, NC, Mariah's previous partnership had broken up.  Gene had actually been Mariah's first LTS coach in 2003 when she first started skating and they knew each other from "growing up together at the rink."  Mariah's coach suggested that they try ice dancing as a team since Gene had already passed his intermediate free dance and he knew Mariah was looking for a new partner. Gene's effervescent personality combined with Mariah's quiet thoughtfulness has combined to create a lasting friendship and a love of ice dance. During their first year together in 2007, they competed at the Ed Picken Pro-Am Classic, the Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships and Eastern US Sectionals.