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I remember as a young, beginner
skater watching the top skaters at my ice rink whiz by me while I stood
near the rink’s rail. Close behind was usually a tough coach named Sue
Ervin coaxing and pushing that skater on. I was definitely intimidated and
scared of them both. Little did I know that one-day, I too would be chased
on the ice by that very same person pushing me to give all 150% I had
inside of me.
A year or so after I had started skating
competitively (at a skating competition in which I did very well), I
remember being approached by Sue Ervin asking me if I was dedicated enough
to put more time, effort and work into the sport. That additional work
would also include starting some coaching sessions under Sue’s direction.
At that moment I felt so proud that she noticed me and wanted to work with
me. I always associated her with coaching the best of the best, so
naturally, I felt I had received an amazing compliment. I was so excited
to start!
As I developed through my skating career, Sue became my
full-time coach. I always felt I was getting the best of the best
training, felt proud to work with her and worked my hardest to perform my
best for her She created my double-salchow all the way though double lutz,
and even started me on my double axel. She designed my layback spin, my
Senior level footwork and choreographed my freeskating programs (to name a
few). And even though she had a bad back, she even assisted me when using
the pulley system (we called “the harness”) by pulling a rope to help lift
me off the ice when learning new jumps. Through all her hard work and
dedication, she helped mold me into a beautiful skater.
I was a
good skater, but certainly not the best. However, it did not matter to me
as she roused in me a great love for the sport. I loved the feeling (and
still do) of speeding around the ice and executing difficult jumps and
powerful spins. I have a lot of pride for what I accomplished in skating.
And, I feel that Sue is part of the reason I became the skater I was and
still am (although I’m a little rusty now!). In addition, this feeling of
accomplishment and the lessons she had taught me through her coaching has
filtered into other aspects of my life, including my college education and
now my career. Through skating and Sue, I have gained a great level of
determination, a strong work ethic and a passion for the things I do. All
of this has helped me succeed in my life.
I feel privileged that I
had the opportunity to work with Sue in my skating career. She has added
to the person I am today, and I hope she realizes what a great impact she
made on my life, and the many other skaters she has worked with over the
years.
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