Through the years of my skating I had managed to move up the ladder in Mens figures. In 1998 I placed 4th but in 1999 I would go into Finals holding 1st place. You can just read my mind in this picture, " body still, foot on the line. etc etc." My Coach Tina Ireland Yow had taught me well and I will always love her for it. From the first day with her in 1994 until this moment in 1999 Tina was the main driving force in my climb to the Podium at Nationals.
I had to preserve this moment in time with this great Pro Shot of my Coach Tina Irland Yow and me after winning the Silver Medal at Nationals. The smile I have on my face did not go away for about a week!
I was holding 1st Place after eliminations. Charles Watkins was in the finals for the first time ever in his 20 years of skating. He was on top of the world. I had never met Charles before, but liked him immediately. He had no one at Nationals to get him on tape so I signaled my wife Gretchen in the stands to tape Charles too and after doing him the favor of taping him we tie for 1st place. When the tie was broken by Rule 8 Charles had won the Gold and was completely overwhelmed and I happily won the Silver. What a great Day to pack away in my memory's.