2008 US Figure Skating Championships

Today is the first time that all Rinkformation blogs will be about the same topic. Ice Mom, Ice Girl, Synchro Mom and I will all write about the same thing, but from our own perspectives. Check out their posts today, too!

2008 US Figure Skating Championships

I attended Nationals in 2008. I made the journey with a fellow skating coach and friend. When we got there we saw many other coaches from the area we knew, USFS Representatives, PSA representatives and many skate vendors showcased their new products. Hotel room rates were though the roof. Thankfully we were lucky enough to stay with someone who lived close by.

Held annually since 1914, the U.S. Figure Skating Championships is the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event each year. Over the course of a week, 12 national champions in ladies, mens, pairs and ice dancing on the senior, junior and novice levels were crowned.

In 2008 Nationals was hosted at Excel Energy Center. As we were waiting in line at the entrance, I remember making a pact with the other coach that if any of our skaters were to make it to a National level we would bring the other as a “choreographer.”

If you ever attend Nationals, make sure you go to practice ice. I was very surprised at the lack of people watching practices. They are a great insight to the events. It was nice because there wasn’t anyone in the stands. The security staff was everywhere, but they were nice and allowed us to get pretty close and snap some great pictures.

If you arrive early at an event like this, look for an autograph area near where the skaters head to the locker room. At the Exel Energy Center, the locker rooms were in the basement, so at the top of the stairs there was an area chained off where the skaters would stop, take pictures, and sign autographs. It was pretty neat.

We attended the senior level events. If there is one thing I regret, it is not attending more events. The senior levels were on the weekend, so we didn’t have to take vacation days from our 9-5 day jobs. When I attend Nationals again I’ll make sure to take more days to enjoy all the events. The men’s performances were the most memorable to me. Evan Lysacek was my favorite, but not because he won that year. I love the quality of his skating, and to be honest, I have a crush on him. Hello, have any of you seen his modeling pictures?

Nationals are a wonderful experience for any level skater, coach, parent, or anyone who enjoys watching Figure Skating. I went home feeling highly motivated!
Mens Champions 2008- St. Paul
Evan Lysacek
Johnny Weir
Stephen Carriere
Jeremy Abbott

2009-Cleveland
Jeremy Abbott
Brandon Mroz
Evan Lysacek
Ryan Bradley

2010-Spokane
Jeremy Abbott
Evan Lysacek
Johnny Weir
Ryan Bradley

Ladies Champions 2008-St. Paul
Mirai Nagasu
Rachael Flatt
Ashley Wagner
Caroline Zhang

2009-Cleveland
Alissa Czisny
Rachael Flatt
Caroline Zhang
Ashley Wagner

2010-Spokane
Rachael Flatt
Mirai Nagasu
Ashley Wagner
Sasha Cohen

Pairs Champions 2008- St. Paul
Keauna McLaughlin / Rockne Brubaker
Rena Inoue / John Baldwin
Brooke Castile / Benjamin Okolski
Tiffany Vise / Derek Trent

2009-Cleveland
Keauna McLaughlin / Rockne Brubaker
Caydee Denney / Jeremy Barrett
Rena Inoue / John Baldwin
Amanda Evora / Mark Ladwig

2010-Spokane
Caydee Denney / Jeremy Barrett
Amanda Evora / Mark Ladwig
Rena Inoue / John Baldwin
Brooke Castile / Benjamin Okolski

Ice Dance Champions- 2008 St. Paul
Tanith Belbin / Benjamin Agosto
Meryl Davis / Charlie White
Kimberly Navarro / Brent Bommentre
Emily Samuelson / Evan Bates

2009- Cleveland
Meryl Davis / Charlie White
Emily Samuelson / Evan Bates
Kimberly Navarro / Brent Bommentre
Madison Hubbell / Keiffer Hubbell

2010-Spokane
Meryl Davis / Charlie White
Tanith Belbin / Benjamin Agosto
Emily Samuelson / Evan Bates
Kimberly Navarro / Brent Bommentre

Have you attended Nationals or a big skating event? Do you have any insider tips for those who attend these kinds of events? What was your favorite big-event venue? What’s your best memory? Share your experiences in the comments!
Do you have a question for Ice Coach? Great! E-mail me at icecoach@icecoach.net.