Floridian On Ice

November 21, 2011
The Post-Journal

Daniel Raad of Parish, Fla., competes in the Senior Men's program of the 2012 Eastern Sectional Championships that wrapped up Saturday at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. See additional photos at cu.post-journal.com.

Practice Session
November 18, 2011
The Post-Journal

Maggie Haussman of Wisconsin performs during her official practice Thursday at the Eastern Sectional Championships at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena on Thursday. See additional photos at cu.post-journalc.om.

P-J?photo by Scott Reagle

Budding Stars-Former Olympian Coaching New Talents

Budding Stars
Former Olympian Coaching New Talents

November 18, 2011
By Jason Rodriguez jrodriguez@post-journal.com , The Post-Journal

If the coaches' own successes are any measure, the winningest skaters at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena this week will be headed to glory on the national stage and beyond.

Elaine Zayak has had the role of coach for 20 years, but has some medals of her own. She was the 1981 U.S. National Figure Skating champion and then took first place in 1982 at the World Figure Skating Championships. In 1984, she competed in the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.

"Some of the best of the world is here - I have to say our country really has some good skaters this year,'' she said.

Among those is her own student, Jimmy Ma, who last month took second in the novice division at the North Atlantic Regional competition, held in Amherst.

Ms. Zayak was instructed through her pinnacle years by Mary Lynn Gelderman, and her former coach was also at Jamestown with a fresh crop of aspiring athletes. She said she has been coach for nearly 40 years, and this week has six skaters each in different events.

"I have a senior lady who has just returned from a pair of international championships since she is a member of the U.S. international team," she said. "I have seen kids though world championships and Olympics. I have taken them from beginner level all the way through - every step is an important step."

Coach Priscilla Hill said three of her athletes have their sights on the upcoming national championships to be held in San Jose, where the top four in each event from Jamestown will face off with the counterparts from Salt Lake City and Fort Collins, Colo.

"I have novice, a junior and a senior, all in guys' events," she said. "My novice just skated (without fault) so we will see what happens. He has skated the best he has ever skated."

Most skaters agree that Ms. Hill was the first skater to complete a triple loop in competition in 1975. Her most recognized former student is Johnny Weir, whom she coached to the gold medal at the 2001 World Junior Figure Skating Championships. He is also noted for three consecutive gold medals in the national championships.

"I took him to through the Olympics in 2006 and I had him from the very beginning of his time on the ice, which is a pretty neat thing," she said.

The veteran coaches all said they have been to the Jamestown facility numerous times. In years past, the Jamestown Skating Club has hosted the regional-tier competition round, the National Junior Championship which showcases the best from the juvenile and intermediate skills, as well as the local Skate Chautauqua event each summer.

Said Ms. Hill: "I love this coming to this building. It is one of the nicest places for smaller events, because you still get the coliseum feel and the younger kids get to learn about what it feels like to be in the bigger arenas."

Event chairperson Mary Handley said she is a musician by trade but developed an interest in setting the scene for skating competitions as she took her daughter to the skating academy in Jamestown. The local instruction helped her to gain three medals in national championships.

"Producing both music and figure skating events, I have tried to combine certain qualities that I saw as advantageous in one to the other," Ms. Handley said. "It has been very interesting to be on both sides and be able to contribute a little differently."

Eastern Sectional Draws Rave Reviews

November 17, 2011
By Rob Tucker (rtucker@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

It's no small undertaking to host some 200 of the best figure skaters from the Eastern United States in a competition - the 2011 Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships - that could have significant repercussions on the young competitors' future athletic aspirations.

So far, though, the Jamestown Skating Club, the staff at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena and the community at large have proven to be more than equal to the task.

"(Hosting the championships) is great for the (Jamestown Skating Club), it's great for the rink and it's great for the community," said Ellen Darrow, Jamestown Skating Club president and the event's announcer Wednesday night. "We have a great group of volunteers here and everybody is working hard to keep it going. I have not heard one complaint yet, which is very good."

No complaints, just compliments.

"(The skaters) love the facility," Darrow said. "They've all said that it is top notch and one of the best around. And the (arena staff) has done a really good job of taking care of the rink, which we really appreciate because without them we couldn't have done this all."

With a pristine sheet of ice to work with, the young men and women taking part in the Sectional have all they need to put forth a solid effort over the championship's four days of competition. Depending on the event, a finish in either the top two or top four would mean a berth in the national competition to be held in San Jose, Calif., from Jan. 22-29.

Among those figure skaters vying for a place in the national competition include Trevor Bergqvist, a 16-year-old Erie resident, and Jordan Bauth, 13, from Buffalo. Both are former students of the Jamestown Skating Academy who now train in Buffalo.

Despite their age, the two skaters have already enjoyed a great deal of success on the ice. Last year Bergqvist placed second in the Intermediate Men's Division of the North Atlantic Regionals in Lake Placid, earning him a place in the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah. There he again excelled and placed - in what was his first national championship - a solid fifth overall in his division.


Bauth, meanwhile, also placed second in last year's Eastern Sectionals novice class to earn a spot in the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in Greensboro, N.C.

On Wednesday afternoon it was Bergqvist, in front of friends from the JSC, who placed fourth in his short program and will again take the ice today at noon for his novice men's long program.

"He ended up fourth in his short program," Darrow said, "so he is still in the hunt (to go to nationals) because in that event the top four will move on."

For the JSC members it was especially exciting to see some of their former teammates on the big stage.

"Trevor skates in Amherst, but still comes down here once and a while," Darrow said. "The kids still go up there and come down here and Jordan Bauth is skating tomorrow so they'll all be coming to watch her, too. That's the one thing about kids, once they're a team it doesn't matter where you put them."

And while those two may be the only skaters with area ties, Darrow notes that the competition remains one that should not be missed.

"There is some really good skating going on here," she said. "The pairs (competition) was amazing and some of the lifts were really cool. We don't see that much because we don't have any pairs teams here, so it was really nice."

For a schedule of the remaining events, visit www.chautauquaice.com, and for more information contact the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena at 484-2624. Tickets are $10 per day.

Regional Attraction
Skating Stars Of The Future Perform At Jamestown Savings Ice Arena This Week

November 17, 2011
By Jason Rodriguez (jrodriguez@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

This week, the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena is heating up with the talents of skaters from throughout the eastern United States.

"There are about 200 skaters here, and they are here with coaches and chaperones and we have about 45 officials here this week," said Mary Handley, event chairperson. "We have here some previous national medalists who are again having to go through the process to compete at nationals again."

She said the lowest tier of U.S. Figure Skating competition - juvenile - is represented with some skaters as young as 11 years old. Through Saturday, skaters of all ages will perform at the arena in singles, pairs and ice dancing.

The top eight finishers in juvenile and intermediate pairs and ice dancing will compete at the 2012 U.S. Junior Championships next month in East Lansing, Mich.

The top four finishers in novice, junior and senior from each type of skating performance will move on to the 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif.

Ongoing sectional competitions this week are held in Jamestown, Salt Lake City and Fort Collins, Colo.

"This is an event that U.S. Figure skating awards to a different city and club every year," Ms. Handley said, adding that the arena and Jamestown Skating Club have hosted a North Atlantic regional competition as well as the Junior National finals. She said a great deal of champion skating talent has come through the doors of the arena.

"We have a history here of really high level skating in Jamestown," she said. "There have been a lot of skaters from the Jamestown Skating Club that have gone on to compete on the national and international level."

Along with the continued support of veteran coaches Lenel van den Berg and Kirk Wyse, she thanked the local volunteers that continue to support these types of event.

Outside the arena, Ms. handley predicted increased business in hotels and restaurants to accommodate as many as 1,000 downtown visitors. She added "they should recognize that they may be serving an Olympic champion."

With the competition schedule under way, longtime skating judge and chief referee Lucy Brennan said the local downtown facility offers a level of convenience that is not always present at other venues. She said other competitions require commutes between multiple rinks and lodging.

"This is a wonderful facility to be in because both rinks are identical in shape and ice surface," she said. "It is easy to plan a schedule for a sectional because you can use the other rink for practice."

A resident of New York City, she said she has been to similar competitive events in Jamestown on three occasions.

A schedule of practices and competitive events at chautauquaice.com.

Skating Coaches Say ‘Thank You’

Skating Coaches Say ‘Thank You’
July 15, 2011
The Post-Journal

To the Readers' Forum:

Due to recent, quickly developing opportunities, we have decided to relocate our program to Buffalo. Because of our deep and long-standing involvement with the area, our decision was not lightly made, nor was it without a fair amount of sadness.

The Skating Academy has had a great run here in Jamestown. We are extremely proud of our skaters and their accomplishments Skaters have represented Jamestown on the national and international level in competitions throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

We have produced over 100 skaters who have passed the "gold" test. The "gold" test is a rigorous set of standards, representing the highest level of achievement and skill, and is sanctioned by the U.S. Figure Skating.

Working together with Mary Handley and the Jamestown Skating Club, we have hosted the U.S. Junior Nationals, three regional championships, as well as 15 Skate Chautauquas and 12 Winter Games competitions. The crown jewel of the program, "Excellence on Ice," sparked professional performing careers for many of our skaters who have toured the world with such programs as Disney on Ice and the Ice Capades.

We are extremely proud of our accomplishments here, especially considering our humble beginnings at Allen Park. We are also grateful and humbled by the tremendous support that we have always received from the community and our "skating family."

A special thanks is in order to the Gebbie Foundation, for creating the world's finest skating arena; to the arena management, which was instrumental in creating an unparalleled work environment; and to the local businesses and sponsors who generously supported us throughout the years.

Lenel van den Berg

Kirk Wyse

Co-directors

Jamestown Skating Academy

JSB Arena Continues Skating Program

JSB Arena Continues Skating Program
Marzec, Junior Coaches Will Work With Jamestown Athletes

July 15, 2011
By Jason Rodriguez (jrodriguez@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

A leaner skating club is taking to the ice this summer at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.

One week after the departure of the Wyse and van den Berg Skating Academy to an ice rink to North Buffalo, officials at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena announced they had forged a new agreement with the local Jamestown Skating Club.

"The skating club remains intact in Jamestown," Kurt Silcott, arena CEO, said Monday. "We are working with them to set up dates and try to continue all programming we have had in the past with the skating club."

Following the planned negotiation with the club in the middle of the week, the arena stated it had created a schedule that would "provide Jamestown and Jamestown-area residents with top-notch programs for young figure skaters and hockey skaters."

The skating club confirmed that one of its leading coaches would remain available at the local arena for instruction. It stated Lindsay Marzec, along with a number of junior coaches, will work with the JSC skaters. The club expects to add to its coaching staff in the very near future and build upon the great program that has been established here in Jamestown.

The arena said its new agreement offers local skaters ice time on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm.

Stated Silcott: "We anticipate that they will take more hours in due time. At this point, the club is going to survey the skaters and coaches and see what times will work best. We will do our best to accommodate them once we know the times and number of hours they want."

On Thursday, Mrs. Marzec said she would be coaching for two evenings, but that she was also rendering her services with the departed academy in Buffalo.

With respect to the loss of the expertise of Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg, Silcott said: "They made a business decision to take their business to Buffalo. A lot of their skaters come from Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse."

He noted the academy was a for-profit operation, whereas the skating club remains a nonprofit entity that hosts educational tutelage and hosts a number of year-round competitions at the arena.

Mary Handley, chairperson for Skate Chautauqua, confirmed the annual U.S. Figure Skating- and Skate Canada-sanctioned event will occur in August as planned.

Looking ahead to the fall, the arena stated it has recruited Dan Daikawa, Jamestown Ironmen head coach, to coordinate a "Learn to Skate" class that emphasizes ice hockey.

"It's great to see a tenant of the building take this type of ownership in the community," said Silcott. "Coach Daikawa has volunteered himself, as well as his players to help the program grow. We're all looking forward to having him as a part of The Skating Club's activities."

Wyse and van den Berg, whose offices were found empty last week at the local arena, stated their decision to leave "was not lightly made, nor was it without a fair amount of sadness."

They added an expression of gratitude and humbleness from the "tremendous support" they have always received from their "skating family" in Jamestown.

New Skating Schedule for July in Jamestown

Tuesday, July 12th - 3:30 - 6:30
Wednesday July 13th - 3:30 - 6:30

Tuesday July 19th - 3:30 - 6:30
Wednesday July 20th - 3:30 - 6:30

Tuesday July 26th - 4:30 - 6:30
Wednesday July 27th - 4:30 - 6:30

Lindsay M. will be available to give lessons beginning Wednesday, July 13th.
Junior coach will also be avalible. Please contact your preferred coach.

Junior Coaches: Deanna B. Megan J.
Alexis D. Jaylyn O.
Madelaine G. Christina W.

Skating Club Leaves - the Post Journal

July 8, 2011
By Jason Rodriguez (jrodriguez@post-journal.com)

After a pair of recent statements from those running the show, a curtain is closing on a signature figure skating program in the city of Jamestown.

According to a letter released to a local athlete's website, the last day of the 25-year-old Jamestown Skating Academy was Wednesday.

On Thursday, its office at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena was empty. Program co-directors Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg stated the classes will continue at the North Buffalo Ice Arena, located off upper Delaware Avenue at 156 Tacoma Ave.

''This move was made necessary as a new contract was presented to us by the new CEO of the arena upon direction of the arena's board which is predominantly made up of hockey enthusiasts,'' Wyse and van den Berg said in a letter to skaters and parents. ''Suffice to say, the agreement was so outrageously priced that very few of you would be able to afford to skate. It left us no option but to move the program.''

Calling Wednesday's departure from the arena "bittersweet,'' the letter from Wyse and van den Berg said the new agreement in Buffalo is simple and allows them to return to their passion of coaching.

The statement anticipated questions from the Jamestown Skating Club board of directors as well as participants who regularly descend on the arena for instruction by its affiliated coaches.

"We also know that some of you may not be able to make the trip to Buffalo and we understand that and we want you to keep skating. ... We will work with the Jamestown Skating Club and the coaches to secure ice in Jamestown for those that the trip to Buffalo will not be viable," the statement reads.

SKATING CLUB LIMBO

A second letter posted by the Jamestown Skating Club board of directors said the directors of the club, which hosts an annual slate of amateur skating competitions, "will be meeting with Kirk and Lenel to try to determine if it is viable to keep figure skating in Jamestown at some capacity. We want to explore all our options, as a club.''

It added that all prospective members of the local club whose submissions were processed by July 1 will still be eligible for the arena's Skate Chautauqua in August and other U.S. Figure Skating events.

Kurt Silcott, new CEO of the Jamestown arena, said negotiations were not completed with the Skating Academy, including upcoming changes to the price of ice time.

"Our position is that we were going to sit down with them and negotiate new ice times and rates,'' he said, adding that they had not yet received any formal indication that Wyse and van den Berg were leaving for another location.

But Silcott added their empty office is a strong indication that they have decided to move their program. Meanwhile, Silcott said there was a discussion with the skating club on Wednesday to ensure their events will go forward, including Skate Chautauqua which takes place Aug. 12-13. He indicated the departure of the pair of longtime instructors does not mean the skating club could not recruit a coaching team of its own.

"Once it is all settled, we will maintain a level of figure skating that the residents of Jamestown will enjoy," he said.

Calls to Wyse, van den Berg as well as the skating club board of directors were not returned.

In a June 26 article in The Post-Journal that heralded 25 years of the local skating academy, van den Berg said Jamestown offered a place of permanence for the successful school. During his tenure, the academy has evolved from humble beginnings in the Allen Park Ice Rink to a renowned institution that attracts athletes from throughout the Northeast and as far away as Mexico.

Said van den Berg: "It's never been about that other stuff, no fighting between skaters and coaches, a very rare situation. We have had several offers to move to bigger markets over the last few years, but we have given them no consideration. We have an awesome arena, a wonderful office in the arena, great skaters, and tremendous support from the local community. Unless that were to change, we would never consider moving the program elsewhere.''

Google directions to North Buffalo Ice Arena

I-190 North (exit 53/Downtown Buffalo/Canada). Proceed north on I-190 approx. 9 miles to Scajaquada Exwy./Humboldt Pkwy./Rt-198 (exit 11). Proceed east on Scajaquada Exwy./Humboldt Pkwy. (Rt-198) approx. 2 miles to Delaware Ave. (Rt-384) North. Proceed north on Delaware Ave. approx. 1.25 miles to Tacoma Avenue. Turn right on Tacoma Ave. and proceed approx. 1 block east to arena on the left.

Van Den Berg Celebrates 25th Year With JSA

‘I’m Very Blessed’
Van Den Berg Celebrates 25th Year With JSA

June 26, 2011
By Scott Kindberg (skindberg@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

ASHVILLE - Almost every night, weather permitting, Lenel van den Berg hops in his 20-foot pontoon party boat and takes a 30-minute cruise on Chautauqua Lake.

Accompanied by his dog and his cat, van den Berg enjoys the scenery and the accompanying relaxation at the end of another 10-12 hour work day.

"I've always admired the water,'' he said.

Van den Berg has been a big fan of water in the frozen form as well. In fact, life on the ice has carried the native of Port Elizabeth, South Africa to stops all over the globe in the last three decades.

Fortunately for figure skaters on the East Coast, and in Western New York in particular, he ultimately decided to make southern Chautauqua County his home.

"It's been a long journey,'' he said. "It's been a very good journey, a great journey, actually, because I think we've achieved things beyond what we really expected.''

- - -

Encouraged by his mother, Mavis, van den Berg started skating when he was 9 years old and ultimately reached the pinnacle of the sport, becoming a seven-time national champion, competing internationally for South Africa and, later, enjoying a nine-year career with Holiday On Ice.

"After that,'' he said, "I came to the United States.''

And when the Jamestown Skating Academy needed someone to run the program in the mid-1980s, van den Berg, who just happened to be visiting in Buffalo, took the job, "because nobody wanted it.''

"I remember the first day I walked into Allen Park (Ice Rink) and somebody said to me, 'I hope you have another job apart from this job because you're not going to make a lot of money, there's not a lot of ice time and there's not a lot of (skaters).'''

Fast forward more than two decades. From those humble beginnings, van den Berg and fellow co-director Kirk Wyse have built the JSA into one of the best schools in the country. Beginning Monday, van den Berg will celebrate the 25th year of his summer school, which will attract upwards of 50 skaters (ages 7-25) from throughout the northeast and even as far away as Mexico.

"The beauty of this school has always been that it's all about training and getting better and improving,'' van den Berg said. "It's never been about that other stuff, no fighting between skaters and coaches, a very rare situation. We have had several offers to move to bigger markets over the last few years, but we have given them no consideration. We have an awesome arena, a wonderful office in the arena, great skaters, and tremendous support from the local community. Unless that were to change, we would never consider moving the program elsewhere.''

And what a resume van den Berg and Wyse, who joined the JSA in 1995, have put together.

Along the way, the men have had 104 students pass gold-medal tests, a remarkable number considering that one in 5,000 skaters successfully do so; 15 skaters have won national medals; and three - Robbie Dierking, Hilary Glovak and Janelle Cogley - were national champions. Dierking did it three times.

"The biggest charge for me is helping young people to succeed in life,'' said van den Berg, who by virtue of his students' success is a U.S. international coach. "This sport is a tough sport to be in. It teaches you a lot mentally and it teaches you how to deal with failure a lot. I think it's a wonderful sport for people to learn what is ahead in the future. It's more than medals and championships.''

It's about the notes, cards, text messages and e-mails that van den Berg and Wyse routinely receive from virtually all their current and former students thanking the men for what their guidance has meant not only on the ice, but off it as well. In other words, the JSA, which moved from Allen Park to the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena 10 years ago, is by virtually any measure one big happy family.

Occasionally, though, even van den Berg is caught off guard, even overwhelmed by "one of the nicest things that has ever happened to me.''

That came earlier this spring when he was asked by Kristen Treni, a former area resident, former JSA student and currently a Disney On Ice star, to walk her down the aisle at her wedding in Tampa, Fla.

"That was a highlight,'' van den Berg said.

- - -

Van den Berg, Wyse and 13 of their students have been in Lake Placid this week for the first competition of the figure skating season.

"You go there to tweak their programs, see what's needed in each aspect of the kids' skating and if we're doing the right things with the programs,'' van den Berg said.

The "program,'' - aka the JSA - housed at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, seems to indicate that van den Berg, Wyse and their coaching staff are doing the "right things,'' too.

"It's always nice to keep achieving things,'' van den Berg said, "but I've just been really lucky with what I've been able to achieve. I'm very thankful for what I've done with my life. I'm very blessed and I really realize that.

"Sometimes people say to you if you could do it again, would you do it differently. I can honestly say, 'No, I wouldn't. I'd do it exactly the same.'''

Mei Wen as Disney's Jasmine - Excellence on Ice 2011

Excellence on Ice cast shot

Meghan Lewis

Meghan L. Mei's first coach stopped by before the show to say hello and to give her encouragement to Mei.

Excellence on Ice - the Jr. Girls

Excellence on Ice - The Jr. Skaters

EOI practice

Students of the Jamestown Skating Academy are putting the finishing touches on Excellence On Ice, which will be performed at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Tickets are available at the arena box office, by phone at 484-2624 or on-line at www.jamestownarena.com.

Women’s Skating Champion Appeared At JSBIA In 2005

By Scott Kindberg (skindberg@post-journal.com)

The Japanese woman who captured the world figure skating championship on Saturday in Moscow has a connection to Jamestown.

Miki Ando appeared at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena in August 2005, one of hundreds of skaters who took part in Skate Chautauqua. The event annually attracts many of the world's best figure skaters, who have their talents evaluated by some of the sport's top judges.

Ando didn't disappoint.

"She was very shy and very beautiful, a wonderful skater,'' recalled Kirk Wyse, who has coordinated the event with Lenel van den Berg and Mary Handley since 1995. " I think the fact that of all the competitions that take place around the world that she chose Skate Chautauqua to debut a new program was a tribute to the reputation of Skate Chautauqua.''

Local attorney and sports historian Greg Peterson was impressed. Initially drawn to the rink to interview Ando's then-coaches, former Olympic champions Carol Heiss and Hayes Jenkins, Peterson quickly recognized the young woman's talents.

"The original storyline was Hayes and Carol, the husband and wife who were both Olympic gold medalists,'' Peterson said. "I had interviewed both of them the year before and we kind of became acquaintances thereafter. I went over to the rink to videotape (Heiss) and I could see (Ando) was a special talent.''

Armed with his camera, Peterson videotaped Ando's performance, too, and he has posted it on-line on YouTube.

"I'm interested in history and, certainly, sports is part of that history,'' Peterson said. "Everybody has a story to tell and I believe that story should be documented. Second of all, especially when it comes to sports, you never know when you might see the stars of tomorrow today. To document that is kind of fun. Finally, to look back and say, 'Golly, they were here,' and to be able to visualize that makes it special."

Ando arrived in Jamestown with quite a resume. In addition to being Japan's national champion, she was also ranked No. 4 in the world and was the first women to ever land a quadruple jump in competition. By 2007, she had claimed her first world championship.

See ANDO, Page B-2

World title No. 2 came Saturday when she defeated Olympic champion Kim Yu-na of South Korea. The competition was originally scheduled for Japan before it was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in March.

"In (Ando's) interview afterward, she was very humble,'' said Wyse, who watched the competition on-line. "She mentioned that she was very happy that she skated so well for the people who went through so much.

"Figure skating is a national sport in Japan and for her to win at a time of strife in her country is a great, uplifting thing."

Having elite skaters at Skate Chautauqua is nothing new. Sarah Hughes, the 2002 Olympic champion, appeared in Jamestown in the late 1990s.

"As we were watching (the world championships) on the Internet," Wyse noted, "I said, 'Oh, my God, we have a world champion and an Olympic champion who have skated at Skate Chautauqua.''

Wyse and van den Berg, the co-directors of the Jamestown Skating Academy, will have another chance to showcase figure skating talent on Saturday when they produce Excellence On Ice at the JSBIA. Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

VIP on-ice tickets are $30 and reserved arena seating tickets are $10 or $12.

The box office at the JSBIA is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To reserve tickets by phone, call the Excellence on Ice ticket line at 484-2624 or reserve tickets online atwww.JamestownArena.com. Excellence on Ice is sponsored by The Post-Journal, the Warren Times Observer, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and SE-93.

The Natural
May 1, 2011
By Scott Kindberg (skindberg@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

Adrian Rosenberg admits to not being too fond of heights. He even says he fears it.

But the Pittsford resident appears to be about ready to conquer that fear.

In a big, big way.

One of the featured performers at next Saturday's Excellence On Ice at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, Rosenberg, 18, has recently been offered the professional skating opportunity of a lifetime from Disney On Ice.

And he's anxious to fly with it.

Literally.

When you're asked to play the role of Peter Pan, the self-proclaimed "boy who never grows up," on a nationwide tour, well, you have no choice but to forge ahead to fulfill a life-long dream, phobia and all.

"This show is a brand-new show,'' said Rosenberg, a Jamestown Skating Academy student for seven years. ''A big part of it will be a Peter Pan production. They hook you up to a cable and you do a flying routine."

"I have a fear of heights, but I'll get used to it."

While a contract has yet to be signed, Rosenberg expects to do so within the next couple weeks.

"I think it's such a unique opportunity,'' he said. "It gives me a chance - besides the travel and meeting all these people - to break the mold."

In other words, instead of following the traditional path of teenagers after high school - Rosenberg will graduate from McQuaid Jesuit in June - he will now be able to purse his professional ice skating dream.

"The more I've skated, the more I've realized it was something I could do with my life,'' he said.

His resume certainly supports that ambition.

A freestyle gold medalist and a two-time national competitor, Rosenberg has been performing at a high level ever since he hooked up with JSA co-directors Lenel van den Berg and Kirk Wyse seven years ago.

"They've been my mentors through this whole thing,'' Rosenberg said. "They've mentored me as coaches and helped me set my goals for skating. Once I realized that competing wasn't the thing I wanted to do, they helped guide me through the whole (Disney On Ice) application process."

Of course, van den Berg and Wyse know a thing or two about professional ice shows.

Van den Berg is a former seven-time national champion of his native South Africa, was a member of his nation's international figure skating team and he also toured professionally for seven years with Holiday On Ice.

Wyse, meanwhile, toured the world, starring with Holiday On Ice and the Ice Capades for 18 years before beginning a full-time coaching career. In 1996, he was the choreographer of world champion Todd Eldredge.

"They know everything inside and out about the business,'' Rosenberg said. "The major advantage for me getting into the show is them.''

"Adrian is a performing natural," Wyse said. "The Disney On Ice production team loved his audition DVD and responded immediately that they wanted him."

Area skating enthusiasts will have a chance to see Rosenberg perform at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. next Saturday when he and the rest of the JSA students perform in what van den Berg and Wyse describe as "America's most spectacular community ice show."

Rosenberg, who will be appearing in Excellence On Ice for a fifth time, will perform two solo numbers - a routine from Aladdin and a routine to the music of recording star Usher.

"Every time I go out there (during Excellence On Ice),'' Rosenberg said, "it's a whole new experience to me because (van den Berg and Wyse) manage to keep it refreshing and new."

The annual ice show has also given Rosenberg, the son of Gary and Graziella Rosenberg, opportunities, most notably the one that is coming up with Disney On Ice.

"I got my first taste of performing in front of a big audience and feeling the high of the applause from Excellence On Ice,'' Rosenberg said. "It gave me a very small glimpse into the world of the professional skating world."

"I think he was 12 when he first performed in Excellence on Ice," said van den Berg. "He skated to the Bee Gees 'Stayin' Alive' and he stopped the show. A new ice show star was born. Trust me, his performances this year will not disappoint."

VIP seating will once again be featured for Excellence On Ice. Flooring material will be placed around the perimeter of the ice accompanied by tables adorned with linens, hor d'oeurves, wine, and soft drinks. The arena seats will be utilized for reserved seating. Concert-style lighting will be provided by APG of Fredonia.

VIP on-ice tickets are $30 and reserved arena seating tickets are $10 or $12.

The box office at the JSBIA is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To reserve tickets by phone, call the Excellence on Ice ticket line at 484-2624 or reserve tickets online at www.JamestownArena.com . Excellence on Ice is sponsored by The Post-Journal, the Warren Times Observer, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Wegmans, and SE-93.

The Natural
May 1, 2011
By Scott Kindberg (skindberg@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

Adrian Rosenberg admits to not being too fond of heights. He even says he fears it.

But the Pittsford resident appears to be about ready to conquer that fear.

In a big, big way.

One of the featured performers at next Saturday's Excellence On Ice at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, Rosenberg, 18, has recently been offered the professional skating opportunity of a lifetime from Disney On Ice.

And he's anxious to fly with it.

Literally.

When you're asked to play the role of Peter Pan, the self-proclaimed "boy who never grows up," on a nationwide tour, well, you have no choice but to forge ahead to fulfill a life-long dream, phobia and all.

"This show is a brand-new show,'' said Rosenberg, a Jamestown Skating Academy student for seven years. ''A big part of it will be a Peter Pan production. They hook you up to a cable and you do a flying routine."

"I have a fear of heights, but I'll get used to it."

While a contract has yet to be signed, Rosenberg expects to do so within the next couple weeks.

"I think it's such a unique opportunity,'' he said. "It gives me a chance - besides the travel and meeting all these people - to break the mold."

In other words, instead of following the traditional path of teenagers after high school - Rosenberg will graduate from McQuaid Jesuit in June - he will now be able to purse his professional ice skating dream.

"The more I've skated, the more I've realized it was something I could do with my life,'' he said.

His resume certainly supports that ambition.

A freestyle gold medalist and a two-time national competitor, Rosenberg has been performing at a high level ever since he hooked up with JSA co-directors Lenel van den Berg and Kirk Wyse seven years ago.

"They've been my mentors through this whole thing,'' Rosenberg said. "They've mentored me as coaches and helped me set my goals for skating. Once I realized that competing wasn't the thing I wanted to do, they helped guide me through the whole (Disney On Ice) application process."

Of course, van den Berg and Wyse know a thing or two about professional ice shows.

Van den Berg is a former seven-time national champion of his native South Africa, was a member of his nation's international figure skating team and he also toured professionally for seven years with Holiday On Ice.

Wyse, meanwhile, toured the world, starring with Holiday On Ice and the Ice Capades for 18 years before beginning a full-time coaching career. In 1996, he was the choreographer of world champion Todd Eldredge.

"They know everything inside and out about the business,'' Rosenberg said. "The major advantage for me getting into the show is them.''

"Adrian is a performing natural," Wyse said. "The Disney On Ice production team loved his audition DVD and responded immediately that they wanted him."

Area skating enthusiasts will have a chance to see Rosenberg perform at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. next Saturday when he and the rest of the JSA students perform in what van den Berg and Wyse describe as "America's most spectacular community ice show."

Rosenberg, who will be appearing in Excellence On Ice for a fifth time, will perform two solo numbers - a routine from Aladdin and a routine to the music of recording star Usher.

"Every time I go out there (during Excellence On Ice),'' Rosenberg said, "it's a whole new experience to me because (van den Berg and Wyse) manage to keep it refreshing and new."

The annual ice show has also given Rosenberg, the son of Gary and Graziella Rosenberg, opportunities, most notably the one that is coming up with Disney On Ice.

"I got my first taste of performing in front of a big audience and feeling the high of the applause from Excellence On Ice,'' Rosenberg said. "It gave me a very small glimpse into the world of the professional skating world."

"I think he was 12 when he first performed in Excellence on Ice," said van den Berg. "He skated to the Bee Gees 'Stayin' Alive' and he stopped the show. A new ice show star was born. Trust me, his performances this year will not disappoint."

VIP seating will once again be featured for Excellence On Ice. Flooring material will be placed around the perimeter of the ice accompanied by tables adorned with linens, hor d'oeurves, wine, and soft drinks. The arena seats will be utilized for reserved seating. Concert-style lighting will be provided by APG of Fredonia.

VIP on-ice tickets are $30 and reserved arena seating tickets are $10 or $12.

The box office at the JSBIA is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To reserve tickets by phone, call the Excellence on Ice ticket line at 484-2624 or reserve tickets online at www.JamestownArena.com . Excellence on Ice is sponsored by The Post-Journal, the Warren Times Observer, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Wegmans, and SE-93.

Excellence On Ice Veteran Marzec Will Make Another Appearance

April 26, 2011
By Scott Kindberg (skindberg@post-journal.com)

Lindsay Marzec was only 8 years old in 1990, so her memory of her first Excellence On Ice experience is a little foggy.

What she does remember, however, is that the Allen Park Ice Rink was packed, she was performing to an "Around the World" theme and she was dressed like a "little girl from Russia."

"I skated around the rink, but I don't think I did much,'' she said with a laugh.

Suffice it to say she's done plenty since.

Now 29, Marzec is a gold medalist and former ice show star, who has been a part of the Jamestown Skating Academy coaching team for the last 11 years. She also has the distinction of performing in every Excellence on Ice since she made her debut more than two decades ago.

America's most spectacular community ice show returns to center ice at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena on May 7 for two performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show will feature Jamestown's figure skating stars, including national competitors and touring professional performers.

Not surprisingly, Marzec will be performing and coaching, too.

"I think I get more nervous than the skaters,'' she said. "I still get excited and have butterflies in my stomach. I like the performing a lot and I like watching our skaters perform. There's so much audience involvement, so they feed off that involvement. There's not the pressure with their friends and family there."

Marzec, an English teacher at Frewsburg Central School, has played plenty of roles in her years with Excellence On Ice. She's skated to disco music, Michael Jackson numbers and even played the role of Marilyn Monroe.

"I was a senior in college," Marzec recalled, "and I was told that they needed 'a Marilyn.' It was finals time, so it was pretty crazy, but it came together and I had fun with that."

"Through the year's we have come to count on Lindsay more and more for help with Excellence on Ice," said Lenel van den Berg, co-director of The Skating Academy and choreographer of the show. "Her choreography brings great energy and excitement to the production."

Having fun seems to be a recurring theme for skaters and spectators at Excellence On Ice.

Marzec said those who attend the performance for the first time expect a "typical recital, but they're blown away by the talent we have here and the professional lighting and setting."

"A lot of our skaters are now starring in ice shows around the world, so it shows the quality of our ice show.''

This year's theme, "A Night of Awards," will feature music and productions from the Academy Awards, Grammys and Tonys.

"We tell them all the time to 'smile big,''' Marzec said.

Smiles won't be hard to come by when the JSA students hit the ice for their two performances.

"It always comes together,'' Marzec said. "They're talented kids with dedicated parents. We started practicing once a week two months ago, but the last four weeks we've been giving it a big push.''

"It's a great comfort for Lenel and myself to have Lindsay on our team when it's show time," said Kirk Wyse, Co-Director of The JSA. "Whatever the issue, we can always count on her."

VIP seating will once again be featured at the JSBIA. Flooring material will be placed around the perimeter of the ice floor and tables adorned with linens, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and soft drinks. With six seats per table the spectator becomes part of the show. The arena seats will be utilized for reserved seating. Concert-style lighting will be provided by APG of Fredonia.

VIP on-ice tickets are $30 and reserved arena seating tickets are $10 or $12.

The box office at the JSBIA is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To reserve tickets by phone, call the Excellence on Ice ticket line at 484-2624 or reserve tickets online at www.JamestownArena.com . Excellence on Ice, "America's Most Spectacular Community Ice Show." is sponsored by The Post-Journal, the Warren Times Observer, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Wegmans, and SE-93.

Darrow Passes Skating Milestone, Awaits ‘Ex On Ice’

Good As Gold
Darrow Passes Skating Milestone, Awaits ‘Ex On Ice’
April 16, 2011
By Scott Kindberg (skindberg@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal

Alexis Darrow sat in the conference room of the Jamestown Skating Academy, its walls adorned with photographs from "Excellence On Ice" performances from the past, and began counting.

By the time the Maple Grove High School junior was finished she came to the happy realization that she had been a participant in the last eight shows.

"To skate with Excellence On Ice is a dream come true," she said.

Darrow will be one of dozens of JSA students who will take part in the annual production, billed as America's most spectacular community ice show, which is scheduled for performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 7 at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena.

When Darrow takes the ice she will be following in the footsteps of some of the JSA skaters she grew up admiring, including Trey Ehre, Kristen Treni, Robbie Dierking, and Ellie Elchert.

Inspired by them, the daughter of Roger and Ellen Darrow of Bemus Point hopes to one day join a professional ice show just as they have.

But Darrow has also put together quite a competitive resume.

In fact, over the winter she successfully passed her gold test, an accomplishment that is a major milestone in the sport. According to Wikipedia, every American figure skater who the public sees competing at the World Figure Skating Championships and at the Olympics is a "gold medalist." More simply, only one in 5,000 skaters successfully passes that test.

"It means the world to me," Darrow said. "It's one of my last accomplishments before I begin a new chapter in my life.

"I was confident that my coaches (JSA co-directors Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg) had prepared me well. ... It's a pretty big deal."

So, too, is Excellence On Ice, a show that is traditionally known for its production numbers. This year's theme, "A Night of Awards," will feature music and productions from the Academy Awards, Grammy's and Tony's.

Darrow will be skating to "I'm a Good Girl" from the hit movie Burlesque.

"I like competing," she said, "because I like how it feels when I do well, but the shows are my passion."

VIP seating will once again be featured. Flooring material will be placed around the perimeter of the ice floor and tables adorned with linens, hors d'oeuvres, wine and soft drinks. With six seats per table, the spectator becomes part of the show. The arena seats will be utilized for reserved seating. Concert-style lighting will be provided by APG of Fredonia.

VIP on-ice tickets are $30 and reserved arena seating tickets are $10 or $12.

Tickets are available at the JSB Ice Arena box office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To reserve tickets by phone, call the Excellence On Ice ticket line at 484-2624 or reserve tickets on-line at www.JamestownArena.com.

Excellence On Ice is sponsored by The Post-Journal, the Warren Times Observer, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Wegman's, and SE-93.

Excellence On Ice Returns To JSBIA May 7

Excellence On Ice Returns To JSBIA May 7
April 10, 2011
The Post-Journal

America's most spectacular community ice show, Excellence on Ice, returns to center ice at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena May 7 for two performances at 3 and 7 p.m. The show will feature Jamestown's renowned figure skating stars, including national competitors and touring professional performers.

"We have an incredible lineup of skaters," said Lenel van den Berg, choreographer of Excellence on Ice. "This is definitely our best show ever."

Excellence on Ice is known for its production numbers and the current edition is no exception. This year's theme, "A Night of Awards," will feature music and productions from the Academy Awards, Grammy's and Tony's.

"The show features music we all know," said Kirk Wyse, co-director of The Skating Academy. "The productions are fun, inspirational and emotional. The skaters are loving it and I am confident the audience will as well."

VIP seating will once again be featured. Flooring material will be placed around the perimeter of the ice floor and tables adorned with linens, hor d'oeurves, wine, and soft drinks. With six seats per table the spectator becomes part of the show. The plush seats of the arena will be utilized for reserved seating. Concert-style lighting will be provided by APG of Fredonia.

VIP on-ice tickets are $30 and reserved arena seating tickets are $10 or $12.

The box office at the JSB Ice Arena in Jamestown opens on Monday with ticket windows open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To reserve tickets by phone, call the Excellence on Ice ticket line at 484-2624 or reserve your tickets online at www.JamestownArena.com . Excellence on Ice, "America's Most Spectacular Community Ice Show." is sponsored by The Post-Journal, the Warren Times Observer, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and SE-93.