The draw for Nationals is posted

>>HERE<<

The schedule
>>HERE<<
There have already been some changes in the championship men practice sessons on Wednesday and Friday.
Wednesday is now earlier. Friday starts later. Keep checking back as more changes are possible.

Competitors list:
>>HERE<<

Exhibition Program music list. Skaters have been asked to prepare something to music by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members.
>>HERE<<

Oh, it looks like my favorite, Melissa Bulanghui, will not be competing senior ladies this year. That is too bad. She has so much spunk.

I suppose Evan will be skating "Billie Jean," unless there is someone else who has dared to use his music. Grrrrr. Publishing a list like that should certainly prevent duplicates. How many Sexy Backs were there last year? I think I remember about four?

I think we can be pretty darn sure teh Billie Jean is Evan. I agree it's a good idea to post a list - first come first served I hope - to avoid duplicates. I'll not say any more on that subject. grrrrrr!

Practice groups just posted:
>>HERE<<

Senior Men
Group A
Curran Oi, Eliot Halverson, Jason Wong, Jeremy Abbott,
Jonathan Cassar, Shaun Rogers, Tommy Steenberg

Group B
Brandon Mroz, Douglas Razzano, Evan Lysacek, Scott
Smith, Stephen Carriere, William Brewster

Group C
Adam Rippon, Dennis Phan, Johnny Weir, Nicholas
LaRoche, Parker Pennington, Ryan Bradley

Stephen Carriere has an exhibition to David Cook's version of "Billie Jean" that he performed at Cup of China. Cook's version is very different from the MJ version (it's rock versus R&B), so I think it would be okay if both he and Evan did their Billie Jean programs. I really enjoyed Stephen's at COC. :)

I didn't know there was a Billie Jean done by someone else. Still would prefer no duplicates though.

ON another matter - the "draw" times that started this thread.
With draw times posted for the men's FS, do you suppose that means they are not going in reverse order of SP finish?

I wouldn't know. They have done it both ways in the past.

Regarding the EX music, I don't like duplicates either, even if they are different artists. David Cook is the guy who won American Idol last year. He is very good. I have not heard his version, but I am sure it is very different from MJ. I haven't watched the CoC EX yet.

I wish the competitors would list their names along with their choice of music. Some of them probably don't even know if they are going to skate in the EX.

It looks like we will have to take in all three groups of men practices in order to check out the competition since they are all spread around. I hope I can stay awake since they are in the morning. The most important, of course, is Evan's. I am glad we now know the groups.

Hmmm. Shaun Rogers did not compete last year, but is on the list for this year. Wesley Campbell and Geofrey Varner and Rohene Ward are missing. I would imagine Rohene Ward has retired and is coaching now. Derrick Delmore retired as well. I am hoping that Eliot Halverson does better this year. I really like him.

I am wondering if UofD is going to have their Nationals Send-off Show. If they are it would be this weekend. I had better check the paper or their web site. Last year Kimmie skated in the show, but she was still training there.

So much to look forward to. So much excitement! Having all of this info really makes it real!! :cheer: :cheer: :1st:

Do all participants have to choose the EX music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame songs?
That's interesting.
I think Evan have also skated U2's“One”at the EX of 2006 Skate America.
I think that probably Stephen does not mind duplication of the music with the other skaters. :lol: At COC, Verner also skated Michael Jackson medley including Billie Jean. And last season he used the same music (Sexy Back) with B/A and N/B at various events.

Carley, Shaun Rogers was 8th at last year's Nationals.

They don't have to skate to numbers from hall of famers, but it is suggested they do.

Yes, Evan did skate "One" at 2006 SA. Is U2 in the hall of fame?

I agree it would be good to list skaters names along with the music.

I'm sorry not to see Wesley on the list - I remember him well from last year - really enjoyed him. I saw Daniel O'Shea several times last year - in Skokie and I believe he was at Evan's Evening of Hope. I like him, too. Good to see he will be in Cleveland this year too. some promising up-and-comers in the Juniors. Guess that's why we'll try to see the Jr Men SP and FS comps too.

So much to do, so little time. Oh, the agony of waiting for the ecstacy to come. :cloud9:

Thank you for the correction about Shaun Rogers. I was thinking SA. He wasn't at SA last year.

I do believe U2 is in the Hall of Fame. I thought of Evan's EX to One right away when I saw the list.

To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, you have to be in the business 25 years. I think U2 qualifies because my kids used to listen to them.

Just to be safe, I hope Evan comes prepared with more than one choice of EX programs this time. We don't want a repeat of last year.

I think Johnny has a program to Unchained Melody and one to Imagine. Imagine isn't on the list yet. At least we won't be seeing Ave Maria again.

I did see Daniel O'Shea's name on the roster. If we plan on continuing to attend Nationals, we should watch the juniors, so we know who the newbies will be when they get to seniors.

I loved Danny O'Shea when I first saw him last year, too. We ELFF's have great taste. ;) Junior Men has become one of my favorite events at Nationals. This year I'm also really looking forward to seeing Alexander Johnson (he has the most beautiful flexibility!), Keegan Messing, Richard Dornbush, and Armin (I can't spell his last name).

I wish Evan would skate to "One" since I'm not sure he could top his SA performance of "Billie Jean." :) Plus, I LOVE U2 and that song, and it would be so great to see him skate to it.

I agree about "One" - it was a beautiful number when he skated to it in 2006. Would be nice to see what it would be like after all he's learned and improved since then. 'Course, Bj keeps getting better it seems every time he does it.

Tanith and Ben have withdrawn due to Ben's injury. :( This is such devastating news as they were going for a record-breaking sixth championship. Nationals just won't be the same without them. :( I wonder if Tanith is going to come to see Evan skate or if she'll stay in Philly to train.

I think we're all wondering what she'll do about Cleveland. Very hard for all of them to have to deal with. What an injury prone season this has been.

Evan - take care of you!!! :hug:

And again, best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for Ben. It's best not to return too soon and risk further injury.

It's weird, I always feel like the season right before an Olympic Season is a wash as everyone is not necessarily focused on what will happen this season as much as they are preparing for the following season. People aren't taking chances with injuries as much as they sometimes would. It is understandable though. You want to peak and be your healthiest for that Olympic season.

You've nailed it exactly!! The skaters themselves have said the same thing.

I feel just terrible for Tanith and Ben. I was so looking forward to seeing their programs again. I liked them so much when I saw them at SA. Now we all have to wait until Worlds to see them. Would have been so good for them to put them out there at Nationals. Also, I am heartbroken that they will not be able to go for the 6th in a row gold medal record. They are such wonderful people, as well as skaters. That is what makes it feel even worse. However, Ben is very smart not to try to push it too soon. Tanith said she is training very hard by herself.

The same thing is happening with Voirture and Moir in Canada. They have to miss Canadian Nationals because of the injuries Tessa has. Then Isabelle is having surgery on her shoulder, and they are saying Shabalin came back too soon after his knee injury and now it is bad again. Isn't that odd. All four top ice dance teams on the mend. I have never known that to happen before.

I am thinking Tanith may come to Cleveland for the weekend, at least, to support Evan. Cleveland isn't very far from Philly. Certainly not as far as LA, where they have commuted back and forth to see each other. Perhaps Ben too.

ITA. It is also the year to be making their impression and reputation among the international judges. However, that may not be as important now as it was under the 6.0. For the 2006 Olys, the 2005 Worlds men's podium was all first timers. Plushenko had to WD because of his knee injury, and all of the veterans had faded away.

I just thought of something interesting that never occured to me before. The results at the 2006 Olympics were in the exact same order as 2005 Worlds, but with the addition of Plushenko at the top, and everybody else moved down one place! 2005 Worlds was 1. Lambiel, 2. Buttle, 3. Lysacek. 2006 Olympics was 1.Plushenko, 2. Lambiel, 3. Buttle, 4. Lysacek.

I wonder if that has ever happened before? I would venture to say that this season's Worlds in LA is going to be awfully important! I think it ought to be Evan on top of the podium both in LA and Vancouver! :1st: IIf he keeps training as he has and keeps injury free and healthy, I really believe he can do it!!! :thumbup:

Virtue and Moir are going to skate at Canadian Nationals. I'm so looking forward to seeing them!

Well I am glad to hear that. :) Some good news finally.

:welcome: Monica! Post often please.

So sorry to hear Tan&Ben's withdraw from the Nationals, Errr, I want them to break the record so much! Get well soon Ben!

But I'm sure Tan will root for Evan and cheer out loud for him just like us!

Can't believe Nationals will start in a week. Nail biting moments are coming :)

I just wish Evan stays healthy. I'm kinda glad that this year more attentions are on Abbott and Weir, leave the pressure to them.

Being away from the spotlight will help Evan to stay calm, relaxed and focused, once he's ON, he'll ROCK the world. :1st:

Icenetwork US Champs broadcast schedule

>>HERE<<

I agree! I'm sure it feels good to him to be out of the heat of the spotlight. Also, not so much hype about the Evan v Johnny rivalry with the media spotlight on Abbott!

Go Evan!! :cheer: :clap: :1st: :hug:

I TOTALLY AGREE TOO!!!

Actually, I think it is the best thing that could happen for Evan. Let somebody else be in the hot seat for a change.

Only about a week a half to go! Well for the skaters obviously they are busy right now practicing. Like everyone is saying Evan probably will welcome a little less hype at this point so he can do his thing and chill. You could tell at the last couple championships he was annoyed with the media throwing him and Johnny into a feud all over the tv screen. Every question seemed to revolve around the rivalry and it definitely took a toll on both the Johnny and Evan's patience.

Hi everybody!! I'm just about to go get the last load of laundry out of the dryer so I can finish my packing for Nationals.

Thanks to everyone who sent messages for Evan. I'll be sure he gets them one way or another. And will give him one huge hug from you all. Our seats are in row 5 of the section right next to the skaters tunnel, so look for the banner there. We'll be waving it on your behalf.

And to all who are going to be there, please get in touch with me so we can put together a gathering somewhere after the EX.

Here's the list of ELFFs I know will be there:
Carley
Mary
Diane + 3
Jennnifer + ?
Yuki
Junchy

Why do I feel like I'm forgetting someone? If you'll be there and your name is not on the list, please PM me with your cell # so I can make sure to fill you in on the details of the gathering as soon as we know them. I'll be certain to check in here before I leave tomorrow morning - 11 am.

Even though we're not ALL there in person, we certainly ARE all there for our main man in spirit. :grouphug:

Go Evan!!!!! You're ready - dream it, believe it, do it!! Three-peat!!! :1st: :hug:

Enjoy!!!! Cheer extra loud for us. :) I know you will...I'm just SO wishing I could be there!! Oh well. Maybe next year? Who knows. I just can't wait for a fabulous competition. :)

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EVAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

haha. I'm a tad excited.

For all ELFFs who is going to Cleveland, I wish you safe and nice trips! :hug:

BTW, I heard Kimmie withdrew from the Nationals due to injury. I don't know any detail at present, but I'm very sorry for her. :(

:thankyou: Casa for your well wishes. I will be on a plane tomorrow at 2:40PM. It is only a short jaunt to Cleveland, thank goodness. Will be meeting Mary at the airport, then the fun begins. :popcorn:

I am so sorry to hear about Kimmie. Injuries everywhere this season. I got an email replay from Tanith and Ben saying that Ben is getting much better and they definitely expect to be and Worlds and thanking me for my well wishes. It was very nice. :)

We will be thinking of all of you at home and bringing you along in spirit. This is going to be a rip roaring competition. Can't wait to see Evan's new costume!!


GO EVAN!!! :1st:

Go get 'em Champ!! You are the best!! :victory:

Oh man!! I'm so sorry to hear about Kimmie. This season has been full of injuries. Hope she gets well soon.

And Carley - see you in Cleveland - in about 12 hours from now. I have to get off this computer and start my packing.

Thanks everyone for your good wishes for our travels and adventures at Nationals. We're in for a rip roaring good time and a real barn-burner of a competition. Will keep you with us in our hearts and cheer a little louder for Evan - if that's possible - on your behalf.

Go Evan!!! Knock their socks off!!! Skate Great!! :hug:

This is an article on Kimmie.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp....0,1948862.story
She seems to be able to skate at SOI.
I wish that she will get well soon.

Have FUN everyone who is going...and be sure to cheer extra loud for Evan!!!!!

I'm so excited...!!!

Hi there,

Guess this is the first installment of my "blog" on Nationals. Fancy that, me having my own blog. :rolleyes:

Arrived in Cleveland safe and sound and have checked in to the hotel. Carley, sadly, was delayed by inaugural traffic around Baltimore and missed her flight, so she's just now boarding the next one out and should be here by 9 pm.

Very quiet at our hotel this early in the week. VERY cold outside so we plan to bundle up but good.

Will head over to the arena tomorrow to check it out and to the Renaissance to pick up programs etc. and see if I can leave the envelope of good luck messages.

WE plan to do the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tomorrow after we scope out the other places.

It finally seems real! It's gonna happen after so long waiting.

I feel like I'm in a holding pattern until the practices start. Then the real action begins.

Bring it!!

Go Evan!!! Hail, hail, some ELFFs are here!! And we'll be rooting for ya!! :clap: :cheer: :hug:

Can't wait to read your blog Mary! (how about starting a new thread for it?!)

Goooooooooooo Elffs! :hug:

Goooooooooooo Evan! :1st:

Thanks so much for sharing! I can't wait to hear more as the week goes on. Have fun cheering him on!!!!!!!

Glad you safely arrived and connected with us! Will be looking forward to hear more from you! Have fun watching and cheering! :flower:

Go Evan! :cheer:

Funny you should suggest a new blog thread. I came on board this morning to do exactly that. ELFFs think alike :hug:

Think I'll put it under Evan Lysachat!

ETA: On second thought I'd better do it here under Spoilers as there are bound to be some.

After all the excitement at the Europeans, I can't wait US nats to start! This is going to be a looooong night. :popcorn: