SynchroNice / Fourth Edition / 2019

SYNCHRO NICE 185 1945 & 1962 “A few lovely pictures out of Lois’ private library, on the left her mother at age 25, so you can see where she has the genes from and on the right side Lois at age 5 with her older brother and sister.” DID YOU PASS ON THE SKATING VIRUS, DO THEY SKATE? Although I come from a skating family, for instance my Mother, she skated too but our daughters only skate recreationally. WE ALWAYS LIKE TO KNOW HOW SOMEONE ENDS UP IN JUDGING SYNCHRO SKATING. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST TIME ON ICE? Well, I’ve been a lifelong skater and began skating with my family when I was very young. First, like so many, I started in Singles skating but then moved on to ice dance and after that, many years later, I skated on an Adult synchro team – now that was serious fun! BUT HOW DID YOU GET UP THE JUD- GES STAND? When I stopped competing, the Judges that used to judge me asked if I was interested in becoming a Judge. JUDGE IN SYNCHRO SKATING? No, but it started a long journey with my first ap- pointment received in 1981. Some years later a few of those same Judges asked me to join them on a trip to British Columbia, Canada, to judge a Precision competition in 1985. Na- turally, I’d never heard of it but was intrigued because I loved the nature of a team sport for figure skaters, something that didn’t exist when I was a young athlete. That was the start of it and our sport has come a very long way from its humble beginnings. DO YOU HAVE ANY ASPIRATION OR AMBITION TO GROW OR CLIMB ANY LADDER (IF THERE IS ONE) WITHIN THE ISU ORGANIZATION? I have no ambitions for personal achievement within the ISU. I consider it an honor to be able May we ask how young you are? I was born on the 12th of April in 1957, but I’m definitely the most immature 61-year-old, at least that I know of, haha. Where were you born Lois? I was born in Seattle, Washington. And where do you live nowadays? I live in Renton, Washington, which is a community to the southeast of Seattle. Are you married? Yes, I ammarried to my best friend, Geary. And do the two of you have children? Yes, we do, we have a blended family, Geary’s daughter (Jennifer) is 40 and my daughter (Christine) is 38. 18 to serve on the Technical Committee and I was humbled to be asked by my Federation to serve our sport in this manner. JUDGING SPORTS AT THIS LEVEL WILL DEMAND A LOT OF TRAVELING AND THEREFORE CONSUME A LOT OF YOUR TIME. I CAN IMAGINE THAT YOUR SO- CIAL LIFE WOULD SUFFER UNDER SUCH PRESSURE. CAN YOU FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR JUDGING AND YOUR PERSONAL SOCIAL LIFE? I’ve always thought of my life as a three-legged stool with one leg representing my career, one my family, and one my skating. It’s a balance where all are impor- tant and investing in one leg over another puts things off balance. Now that I have retired from my career (37 years with the aerospace company Boeing), activities in the Technical Committee have quickly filled that career leg! I used to also judge Singles/Pairs and Ice Dance but resigned those competition appointments quite a few years ago. I wanted to focus on Synchronized Skating and simplify my judging calendar, giving me an “off” season from travel as well. OF COURSE, IT’S NOT ALL A BURDEN. WHAT DID JUDGING DO FOR YOU OR WHERE DID IT TAKE YOU? The ability to judge, whether domestically or internatio- nally, has been an amazing gift. I’ve often found myself in a city that I might not have selected for a vacation but am amazed to have the opportunity to be there. What I always find interesting is how similar we all are across the world; families, the bustle of busy people, shopping in the markets, strolling through parks, and the sound of a baby’s cry – it’s absolutely the same, no language bar- rier whatsoever! I have met so many wonderful, friendly people in this sport. I most treasure meeting the athle- tes, the camaraderie they have within their teams and between all teams is so wonderful. They represent the best things in sport: a commitment to excellence, team- work and sportsmanship. DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC…TO WATCH SKATERS PERFORM TO ON ICE? The choice of music is probably the most important decision a Coach can make for their athletes and one they put a lot of thought in to. When I evaluate a program, the music is indeed key. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY KEY? What I mean is, is it appropriate for the team’s skill and age level? Can the athletes relate to it and deliver the intent of the program? There are many factors that make music enjoyable, but ultimately, it’s the program and how it’s skated to the music that matters. As a Judge, we reward the Composition, Performance and Interpretation aspects of the program considering specific criteria. Our personal preference doesn’t mat- ter, we don’t have to like something to reward it. “Like” is not a criterion! THIS GOES ALSO FOR THE DRESSES AND COSTUMES? Yes, regarding the costume, above all it should com- plement the music and theme chosen and be suitable for athletic competition. How the athletes feel in their costume is important as well. A costume shouldn’t be a distraction to an athlete who is trying to perform at their best. When I find myself concerned about how I’d feel seeing a particular costume on television at the Olympics, then it’s probably crossed too far from sport to theater. Synchronized costume designers must have a difficult time designing costumes that compliment