First -> General Meet News! The first day went from doors opening at 6am and we left the rink at 7pm!!!! There was a 1 ½ hour lunch break and a 1 ½ hour clinic. Jacob didn’t do the clinic but Sydney did and I think got a lot out of it. There are several world team members here. Brian Tally, Justin Stelly, Emily Scott, Dane Lewis, Donnie Beck, Richard Blas, Ferre Spruyt, Troy Atwell, Sara Sayasane and Wouter from World Class. There are four teams from Washington, a Canadian team from Calgary and one family from Hungary with two skaters. Plus I think, most of the northern California team members and at least someone from every southern Team as well. The second day was 6am-3pm with NO breaks.

Today doors opened at 5am but we were done by 10:30am. For future reference, it has been an awesome meet over all. Sydney and Jacob have LOVED the floor! The Hawthorn Suite is AMAZING! Full kitchens, luxury linens, comfy beds, full granite counters and tile floors, hot breakfast, Wednesday evening “happy hour” dinner (it was fried chicken, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes), exercise room, pool, Jacuzzi… for $49.95 a night! Linda announced next year’s meet: March 11th-15th. There have been some very special moments: Yesterday Tabetha (Sydney’s friend from Desert Storm) played the National Anthem on her saxophone. Team Canada (kids, parents and coaches) went out on the rink and sang “O, Canada!” Tomorrow is the 10K/ Marathon! Then we will be heading home! It will be a case of skating for time for both.

Jacob’s division is ages 13 – 34 and Sydney is 13 and under. Now -> Details on Jacob and Sydney! Awards: Jacob’s age division was the only one with heats in both Novice and Standard so he has had some pretty stiff competition. He is hanging in there and performing the best he has ever! The first day every relay had a DQ before he had a chance to skate! The second day he had heats in his relays. He got out of both heats! Then his 2 Mix relay had to be rerun! So he had LOTS of laps with no medal. Today he finally struck gold, well bronze. He was on a 3 man relay team with Justin Stelly, and Brian Tally. They took third!

Sydney got a third place trophy for Novice. She has been in every relay pool too! Only she has skated ALL the laps in every one. She received Silver medals for her 4 girl relay and 4 mix relay. Today she DID hit gold in her 3 lady relay with new friend from Washington, Emily and Tabetha from Desert Storm. The medals are SO cool. They are the March Madness logo. Times: Jacob not only earned the $500 from his dad, he blew right past 11.5!!!! Every race he had at least one sub-11 second lap. In his 3 man relay, every lap was sub-11. He was racing with Senior World Class men and was trying to keep up!