Post-Event Reflections & Wrap-Up
I admit to procrastination. I've put off writing a final blog for most of this week, while I've been playing catch up at work and home and haven't had an opportunity to collect my final event thoughts. Below are somewhat organized comments on Nationals and more.
Side note: Michelle reminded me of the Exhibitions today, so I was able to watch. It reminded me of some of my favorite performances of the week and that the skating was terrific.
Though busy with reports and photography, I was able to catch up with some of the parents and teams. Through these conversations, I was able to learn more of the behind the scenes stories that don't always make it in ice dance news. I'm always blown away by the resilience of the athletes.
INJURIES
Madison & Keiffer Hubbell were forced to miss much of the 2007/2008 season due to Keiffer's hip injury. They were able to compete at Sectionals to secure a spot at Nationals and prior to the event in Saint Paul, this was their only competition of the season. Keiffer began acupuncture therapy in December, and it has been successful in dealing with the pain. Though they may not have been back at 100%, they pushed through to put in strong performances and won the Junior title. They will have less than one month to prepare for their second trip to the World Junior Championships. They were sixth in 2007.
Junior ice dancer Shannon Wingle was happy to even be competing at Nationals. Prior to Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships, Shannon became injured suffering from bilateral hamstring tears. She missed LPIDC, but recovered enough to compete at two Junior Grand Prix events and Sectionals. A few weeks prior to Nationals, she suffered another serious injury, but nevertheless competed in Saint Paul. Quite gutsy and a testament to her resolve and determination.
Brad Coulter is junior athlete who competed most of the season with a knee injury. He and partner Rachael Richardson finished 11th overall, and Brad successfully underwent knee surgery this past Wednesday.
Logan Giulietti-Schmitt suffered a fracture to the skull (the mastoid) just prior to Nationals. There was major concern that the break had extended into the temporal bone, which would have been more serious. Logan was extremely lucky, and in their performances you could tell that he and Lynn (Kriengkrairut) were just happy to be competing in Saint Paul.
These are just a few of the injury instances of this season and stories that don't always make it to big news outlets. I know there are many more - cut up hands, back injuries, etc. - all in the pursuit of success in this sport.
FINISHING 2008 AND MOVING FORWARD TO 2008/2009 SEASON
Even though there are still several events left before the end of the season, there is already talk about summer competitions and that we're only six months away from Lake Placid. Though it may seem like it's a long time, any athlete, coach, or parent will tell you that time flies and there is never enough of it when you're preparing for a new season.
Those who are heading to Four Continents, World Juniors or the World Championships will continue to train hard in anticipation of tough competitions ahead.
Those who are alternates to various championships will continue to train in case they get the call.
Those whose season ended with Nationals will probably take one to two weeks off and then start the selection process for new original or free dance music, or work on new compulsory dances.
There are also those who face the difficult choice of continuing in partnerships, choosing between college or skating or doing both, and more. This is the time of year that these decisions are made.
NEW ICE DANCING EVENT
While talking about looking ahead to Lake Placid, I was also informed of a new event that will take place September 26-28, 2008 in Colorado Springs. This pairs & dance event will serve as a great warm-up for teams who are preparing for sectional championships and need additional feedback. I'm excited that another event for these disciplines has been created. Most teams have only 1-2 outings of their programs during a season, so this will give them an opportunity to give the programs more mileage.
MERCI
The coverage on IDC would not have been possible without the following people and I am extremely grateful for their assistance.
The folks at La Maison des Karen Frank (aka Karen, Mango & Hoover) were amazing hosts for the week and totally made it possible for me to return from Saint Paul non-sleep deprived and somewhat refreshed. For this, I think my co-workers are grateful. Her night photography from the Winter Carnival should not be missed!
Michelle Wojdyla, who worked tirelessly for the week photographing the event and editing & posting 90% of the photos uploaded in the photography section. She also editing the articles posted on IDC.
Katie Weigel, who joined us later in the week, assisted with reports and special assignment photography, including the Saintly City Cat Show and Winter Carnival.
Jim McManus & Travis Mager, who brought everyone their unique perspectives on their first National Championships.
Tammi & Casey McManus, who presented S.P. Beary and his adventures in Minneapolis/Saint Paul.
Jayar, Kelly and Liz, who shared their quotes with us.
The staff of Xcel Center, who were extremely helpful and friendly.
And the athletes who treated us to a wonderful week of skating.
Side note: Michelle reminded me of the Exhibitions today, so I was able to watch. It reminded me of some of my favorite performances of the week and that the skating was terrific.
Though busy with reports and photography, I was able to catch up with some of the parents and teams. Through these conversations, I was able to learn more of the behind the scenes stories that don't always make it in ice dance news. I'm always blown away by the resilience of the athletes.
INJURIES
Madison & Keiffer Hubbell were forced to miss much of the 2007/2008 season due to Keiffer's hip injury. They were able to compete at Sectionals to secure a spot at Nationals and prior to the event in Saint Paul, this was their only competition of the season. Keiffer began acupuncture therapy in December, and it has been successful in dealing with the pain. Though they may not have been back at 100%, they pushed through to put in strong performances and won the Junior title. They will have less than one month to prepare for their second trip to the World Junior Championships. They were sixth in 2007.
Junior ice dancer Shannon Wingle was happy to even be competing at Nationals. Prior to Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships, Shannon became injured suffering from bilateral hamstring tears. She missed LPIDC, but recovered enough to compete at two Junior Grand Prix events and Sectionals. A few weeks prior to Nationals, she suffered another serious injury, but nevertheless competed in Saint Paul. Quite gutsy and a testament to her resolve and determination.
Brad Coulter is junior athlete who competed most of the season with a knee injury. He and partner Rachael Richardson finished 11th overall, and Brad successfully underwent knee surgery this past Wednesday.
Logan Giulietti-Schmitt suffered a fracture to the skull (the mastoid) just prior to Nationals. There was major concern that the break had extended into the temporal bone, which would have been more serious. Logan was extremely lucky, and in their performances you could tell that he and Lynn (Kriengkrairut) were just happy to be competing in Saint Paul.
These are just a few of the injury instances of this season and stories that don't always make it to big news outlets. I know there are many more - cut up hands, back injuries, etc. - all in the pursuit of success in this sport.
FINISHING 2008 AND MOVING FORWARD TO 2008/2009 SEASON
Even though there are still several events left before the end of the season, there is already talk about summer competitions and that we're only six months away from Lake Placid. Though it may seem like it's a long time, any athlete, coach, or parent will tell you that time flies and there is never enough of it when you're preparing for a new season.
Those who are heading to Four Continents, World Juniors or the World Championships will continue to train hard in anticipation of tough competitions ahead.
Those who are alternates to various championships will continue to train in case they get the call.
Those whose season ended with Nationals will probably take one to two weeks off and then start the selection process for new original or free dance music, or work on new compulsory dances.
There are also those who face the difficult choice of continuing in partnerships, choosing between college or skating or doing both, and more. This is the time of year that these decisions are made.
NEW ICE DANCING EVENT
While talking about looking ahead to Lake Placid, I was also informed of a new event that will take place September 26-28, 2008 in Colorado Springs. This pairs & dance event will serve as a great warm-up for teams who are preparing for sectional championships and need additional feedback. I'm excited that another event for these disciplines has been created. Most teams have only 1-2 outings of their programs during a season, so this will give them an opportunity to give the programs more mileage.
MERCI
The coverage on IDC would not have been possible without the following people and I am extremely grateful for their assistance.
The folks at La Maison des Karen Frank (aka Karen, Mango & Hoover) were amazing hosts for the week and totally made it possible for me to return from Saint Paul non-sleep deprived and somewhat refreshed. For this, I think my co-workers are grateful. Her night photography from the Winter Carnival should not be missed!
Michelle Wojdyla, who worked tirelessly for the week photographing the event and editing & posting 90% of the photos uploaded in the photography section. She also editing the articles posted on IDC.
Katie Weigel, who joined us later in the week, assisted with reports and special assignment photography, including the Saintly City Cat Show and Winter Carnival.
Jim McManus & Travis Mager, who brought everyone their unique perspectives on their first National Championships.
Tammi & Casey McManus, who presented S.P. Beary and his adventures in Minneapolis/Saint Paul.
Jayar, Kelly and Liz, who shared their quotes with us.
The staff of Xcel Center, who were extremely helpful and friendly.
And the athletes who treated us to a wonderful week of skating.
