Ever wonder why some skaters become superstars and some don't? The folks at Grassroots to Champions (G2C) believe that they can arm skaters and their coaches with the best advice to help them become champions. Founded in 2003 by World and Olympic skating coach Audrey Weisiger (see right), the G2C seminars focus on the "total package." To these seminars, Audrey brings in her favorites, including, Nick Perna, a
specialist in “Pole/Safety Harness Usage,” Chris Conte, a specialist in
“Dartfish” (a technical computer feedback and analysis system), Ross
Lansel, a specialist in “Jumps and Choreography,” and Sheila Thelen,
the “Champion Cord” specialist. Additional specialists include Dr. Caroline Silby, Pasquale Camerlego, Ernest Porthouse, Dan Hosier,
Kat Arbor, and Shantell Autry.
Audrey's former students include Michael Weiss (three-time U.S. national champion, two-time Olympian and two-time World bronze medalist) and Timothy Goebel (Olympic bronze medalist), so if anyone can dispense advice about the foundations of making a champion, it's Audrey! I had a chance to ask Audrey about her organization and philosophy behind the seminars.
How did Grassroots to Champions start? What was the inspiration?
AUDREY: The inspiration was my desire to help young developing coaches. I had always wished for more support for my own career and felt I could form a group of coaches whose sole purpose was to work with other coaches and their skaters in a long term relationship -- a mentorship. The benefits would be that the skaters could stay with their coaches and the skating schools would develop local talent without the elite skaters having to uproot and move to receive good training, and as a consequence of that, the U.S. talent pool would increase and more skaters would fulfill their potential. It wasn't just about developing the "talented" skaters, rather, it was about helping skaters self-actualize in the realm of my sport. I also wanted to foster a sharing atmosphere where coaches and skaters could come together and work together, learn from each other and be competitive without the actual competition, which was often the only time skaters of an elite caliber saw each other. I had been raising Mike Weiss for a number of years and knew the benefits of bringing in his buddies from around the country and letting the guys skate together. They improved and they developed lasting friendships, which is often difficult as many rinks only have a small number of male skaters.
Since it's inception in 2003, how many seminars has G2C conducted?
AUDREY: I am guessing, that G2C has done over 70 seminars and follow-up camps, including individual visits, with an average of 40 skaters per seminar. We have also conducted five coaches seminars, including one for the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) that had 800 coaches in attendance and also one for the Canadian Coaches Association that had close to that amount. When you look at how widespread the influence can be when a coach that attends one of our seminars then goes back home to their own skating school of 20-30 pupils....I think we have touched the lives of thousands of skaters and their coaches. I need to keep better count!
How is your organization different from other teaching clinics?
AUDREY: A typical G2C seminar has three to six presenters, including on-ice and off-ice jump training, a section on boots and blades which is sponsored by Riedell, a classroom presentation of detailed jump technique using the Dartfish computer software, classes using the Champion Cords and G2C Ankle Buzzer and Pro-Motion Pole and Advantage off-ice Harness. These are all tools designed to help speed the learning process for muscle memory of correct jump alignment. We also have two highly qualified off-ice strength and conditioning trainers and a sports psychologist on staff. The day also includes a "Parent Chat" which is aimed at helping the parents gain insight and perspective. We offer all the services any skating school would need in order to help their skaters develop.
Are there particular qualities in a skater that you don't believe can be taught, but are essential to becoming a champion?
AUDREY: I think the number one quality a champion must possess, but often cannot be taught, is desire. A great coach can instill good habits, perfect technique, motivate and guide, but unless the athlete has an internal desire to become the best they can be, the coaches' work will not come fully together because the coach probably wants success more than the athlete. On the other hand, I have been blessed to work with some skaters who were lacking in basic athleticism, but were able to overcome their deficiencies through hard work and preparation.
What would like to accomplish in the coming years with G2C?
AUDREY: G2C has helped a number of coaches and skaters and is dedicated to
continuing this cause. Our mission is to help coaches develop their
skaters to reach their potential. We would like to establish a
foundation to assist skaters in need of financial assistance and have
it based on potential and not just resume. We would also like to
expand our services to Europe and Asia. Our purpose is to bring more
people more joy from their lessons and skating, and life lessons as well, that
can be learned from our sport.
**To find out if a Grassroots to Champions seminar is coming to a city near you, check out their calendar here.**
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