Sun Shines on 12th Annual Wollman Open
by Lynn Rutherford, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online,-Chiara-Tan-and-Lexi-Tan-(front).jpg) |
The sun ducked in and out of the clouds for most of the day--bright enough to lend some cheer but not warm enough to melt the ice. That was just perfect for event chairperson Stacie Young Krinsky, who had already been forced into one rain-induced postponement.
"The potential for rain is definitely the biggest challenge," Krinsky said. "Making the decision to postpone (from March 6 to March 13) was tough. You want to wait, wait, wait and hope the forecast changes."
Still, the challenge of planning the event--the largest Basic Skills competition in the country--began in November with Sunday morning meetings and continued through last-minute rescheduling of judges and volunteers, and hastily arranged deliveries of food and flowers.
"All of a sudden, it's a change in plans for more than a thousand people, including the families and coaches," Krinsky said. "I think we've all become great meteorologists. We've certainly followed weather.com."
Wollman Rink, which is managed by the Trump Organization, is home to the largest Basic Skills program in the country. Events at 24 levels, ranging from no-test through novice, were held Sunday.
Elise Preston, Wollman's figure skating director, estimates 2,500 skaters are enrolled in the rink's academies, with at least 300 of them taking part in the competition.
"Our biggest goal is to offer a positive competitive experience for everyone," she said.
The rink itself, nestled in a picturesque section of the park, is a throwback to competitions of yesteryear held in venues like St. Moritz and Squaw Valley, where New York's own Carol Heiss won gold in 1960 at the last Olympics skated outdoors.
"There's a relaxed atmosphere at his competition; kids really love to skate here," said Krinsky, who had two daughters compete.
Glancing upward, skaters see towering willow trees, spectators on a footbridge and New York's Central Park West skyline, including the old Plaza Hotel.
Some think the outdoor conditions add to their skill.
"I love competing here and being able to show people how much I've improved each year," said Mona Johnson, a 12-year-old preliminary competitor who has performed with other youngsters as part of the Ice Theatre of New York.
"Sometimes [outdoor skating] can be hard, but it's nice to see everything around you," Johnson continued. "When you compete indoors, you don't see anything but the ice and the judges. You're more nervous, because you're more closed in."
Others noted skating through wind and coping with outdoor ice helps develop their power and speed.
"Sometimes it's a trade-off, because you miss sessions [due to the weather], but you're really working out there and you get stronger," said Bevan Cohen, a 13-year-old pre-preliminary competitor.
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"This event shows you can still have a lot of fun as a preliminary, juvenile and intermediate," Halasa said. "The younger kids need to see that type of competition, and this gives them a taste. Constant education keeps kids on track."
Ken Benson, who teaches many of his students at Wollman, agreed.
"This event is a great way for kids to put what they've learned into action," he said. "It gets bigger every year."
To help ensure a future supply of judges, the SC of New York enlists higher-level skaters to help judge Basic and Free Style 1 groups.
"It's a great way to inspire kids to give back to the sport, once they've completed their competitive careers and finished college," said Ilana Prusock, a referee and judge.
Prusock and other officials meet with the novice judges to give them pointers before events. (All events at Wollman are judged under the 6.0 system.)
"I'm really excited to see what it's like on the other side of the rink," said 13-year-old Lyra Katzman, an intermediate competitor who got her start in the learn-to-skate program.
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ISU World and Olympic judge Coco Shean officiated on the men's panel at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, where Evan Lysacek edged out Evgeni Plushenko by 1.31 points. In some ways, she thinks judging youngsters at the Wollman Open is even more rewarding.
"The Olympics was work; this is fun," Shean said. "The children here really love to skate. It's wonderful to see the smiles on their faces, their enthusiasm and the enthusiasm of their families.
"They're in it because they love skating, not because they're going for a medal or to get more sponsors," Shean continued. "It's a very special feeling, because they've worked so hard for it all year."
Shean said the lessons learned go way beyond moves in the field.
She said, "Skating teaches kids even if you fall, you get up. You keep going. That's something they can use for the rest of their lives, be it in job interviews or a new business presentation.
"Skating improves your posture and carriage. You go out and present yourself and build confidence. You learn how to mix and mingle with all kinds of people, which is a gift for life."
