Wonderful Workshops
The End and the Beginning
AT the end of a spectacular year, ICE’Kateers of all ages gathered for an Italian feast in Club 32. Seeing the girls in their “street” clothes with their hair down was a reminder that they are more than just skaters. They are beautiful young people who have experienced success in many aspects of their lives. Skaters and family members alike enjoyed chatting together and sharing the events that had occurred in their lives since they had been apart. Thanks to the Zeiglers, photos of all the individual skaters and all the 2011-2012 teams lined the rooms.
As the team coaches took the microphones, each team’s terrific season was highlighted. The youth team, with coaches Molly and Natalie, skated a baseball-themed program and medaled at every competition. They were a terrific team. Open Juvenile, coached by Jamie, rocked a Supremes medley and came away with the pewter medal at Pacific Coast Sectionals. The Novice team, under the direction of Kathi and Kim (and sometimes John) was the Pacific Coast Sectional Champion team and skated a great program at Nationals for an eighth-place finish. They skated to music from Crazy for You. Finally, the senior team had the best season ever. Kathi and John led them to a sixth-place finish at the Mozart Cup in Austria and a pewter medal at Nationals. Their short program was a tango, and their long program music was from How to Train Your Dragon.
Synchro Addiction
Synchro mom (one week after nationals): “Sure was nice to sleep in today, wasn’t it?”
Synchro skater (one week after nationals): “I guess, but I kinda miss skating with my friends. When do workshops start?”
And that’s when Mom realizes that her child is hopelessly addicted. The skater in question has not been idle. Although her parents might have hoped for a tiny break, she is still skating, taking lessons, preparing for tests. Part of her is glad for the extra time to spend on jumps and spins; the other part is drawn back to those turns and edges. She remembers the past season fondly — fun times with her teammates, great performances of a well-designed program, success in competition. Part of her wants that team back again, knowing they will be even better this year; the other part wants to move up and be even more challenged. She struggles to decide which team she should audition for, knowing that, in the end, the ICE’Kateer coaches will invite her to join the team that is best for her. There will be no going “cold turkey”. It’s time to feed that ICE’Kaddiciton.
