1971 US Figure Skating Championships
The1971U.S. Figure Skating Championshipswas held inBuffalo, New Yorkon January 27–31. Thecompulsory figurecompetitions were held at Dann Memorial Rink, while thefree skatingevents were held at the Memorial Auditorium. Medals were awarded in three colors: gold (first), silver (second), and bronze (third) in four disciplines –men's singles, ladies' singles,pair skating,andice dancing– across three levels: senior, junior, and novice.
| 1971 US Figure Skating Championships | |
|---|---|
| Type: | National Championship |
| Date: | January 27 – 31 |
| Season: | 1970–71 |
| Location: | Buffalo, New York |
| Venue: | Memorial Auditorium Dann Memorial Rink(figures) |
| Previous: 1970 U.S. Championships | |
| Next: 1972 U.S. Championships | |
The event determined the U.S. team for the1971 World Championships.
In addition to Kenneth Shelley, this event was notable for the number of other skaters competing successfully in multiple disciplines. As well as placing second in senior pairs,Melissa Militanowon the junior ladies' title, landing a raretriple toe loopas she had at the previous year's championships. Besides winning a bronze medal in ice dance withMary Karen Campbell,Johnny Johnscompeted in senior pairs with another partner, and placed a very respectable 6th in the senior men's division.Sheri Thrappcompeted in both senior ladies and senior pairs. Another unusual crossover was the junior pair team of Sheryl Trueman andJack Courtneywho had been World Champions inartistic roller skatingin 1969—as a team in pair skating, and Courtney individually in men's single skating. This was their first season of competition on the ice.[1]
Senior results
editMen
editThe men's title was vacant due to the retirement of 1970 championTim Wood.The title was won byJohn Misha Petkevich,while Ken Shelley (pulling double duty by competing in singles as well as pairs) took the silver and youngGordon McKellenplaced third.
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | John Misha Petkevich |
| 2 | Kenneth Shelley |
| 3 | Gordon McKellen |
| 4 | James Demogines |
| 5 | Roger Bradshaw |
| 6 | Johnny Johns |
| 7 | Jeffrey Hall |
| 8 | Mark Rehfield |
| 9 | Dean Hiltzik |
| 10 | Charles Tickner |
| 11 | Gilbert Sosa |
| 12 | David Baltin |
Ladies
editThe ladies' competition featured the usual match of this era betweenJanet LynnandJulie Lynn Holmes.Holmes had a small lead after the compulsory figures but Lynn pulled ahead in the free skating, in spite of missing an attempt at a tripletoe loop.Holmes included an unusual inside doubleAxelin her free skating.
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Janet Lynn |
| 2 | Julie Lynn Holmes |
| 3 | Suna Murray |
| 4 | Dawn Glab |
| 5 | Dorothy Hamill |
| 6 | Joanne Darakjy |
| 7 | Cindy Watson |
| 8 | Sheri Thrapp |
| 9 | Juli McKinstry |
| 10 | Diane Goldstein |
| 11 | Julia Johnson |
| 12 | Maud-Frances Dubos |
Pairs
editDefending championsJoJo Starbuck/Kenneth Shelleyretained their title with a unanimous decision. Their program included new elements which were considered especially daring for the time—a double twist lift and an overhead lift with three positions. The young team ofMelissa/Mark Militanofinished second, and third place went toBarbara Brown/Doug Berndtin spite of a frightening fall.
Ice dancing (Gold dance)
editJudy Schwomeyer/James Sladkydominated the dance event to win their third consecutive national title.
Junior results
editMen
edit| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | David Santee |
| 2 | Mahlon Bradley |
| 3 | Scott Cramer |
| 4 | William Schneider |
| 5 | Nathan Alden |
| 6 | Perry Hutchings |
| 7 | Stephen Savino |
| 8 | Ted Engelking |
| 9 | Roger Glenn |
| 10 | Joel Goodrich |
| 11 | Alex Rubio |
Ladies
edit| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Melissa Militano |
| 2 | Mary Marley |
| 3 | Patricia Shelley |
| 4 | Donna Albert |
| 5 | Althea Samson |
| 6 | Elizabeth Freeman |
| 7 | Kath Malmberg |
| 8 | Paula Larson |
| 9 | Donna Arquilla |
| 10 | Adelie Boucher |
Pairs
editIce dancing (Silver dance)
edit* Eliminated before final round
Novice results
editMen
edit| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Terry Kubicka |
| 2 | John Carlow |
| 3 | Mark Henry |
| 4 | Robert Steiner |
| 5 | David Kirby |
| 6 | Sven Krevald |
| 7 | Robert Inguanti |
| 8 | Timothy Zink |
| 9 | Tom Hilfman |
Ladies
edit| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Laurie Brandel |
| 2 | Barbara Salomon |
| 3 | Patty Gyllenswan |
| 4 | Marcy Sulenes |
| 5 | Diane Dennison |
| 6 | Betsy Hobson |
| 7 | Jacqueline Whitney |
| 8 | Ruth Cohen |
| 9 | Katie Tamminga |
References
edit- ^"Midwesterns",Skatingmagazine, Mar 1971
Sources
edit- "Nationals",Skatingmagazine, April 1971