Ice and Roller Figure Skating Champion Jack Courtney is Surprised and Honored

Those in the "ice skating world" may not know that 1975 and 1976 U.S. National Pairs Bronze Medalist, Jack Courtney, was a champion roller skater before he switched to ice. What is remarkable about Courtney's record is, that in 1968, he won roller worlds in BOTH SINGLES and PAIRS! He also won the U.S. Senior men's title in singles in roller skating five times and the national senior pair title was won by Jack and his partner Sheryl Trueman Courtney four times.

This week, the 2008 Roller Figure Skating National Championships is taking place in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the event, one of the greatest names in the "roller figure skating world," Warren Danner, was inducted into the USARS Competitive Coaches Roller Skating Hall Of Fame. During the ceremony, Danny Danner, Warren's son, a champion roller skater that switched to ice, had several "greats" from the roller skating world call Jack on the phone. That surprise call was very exciting!

Courtney was at work sharpening ice skates in the Colorado Springs World Arena Pro Shop (which he operates) when the surprise conference call came. He spoke with several other "greats" in roller figure skating. He spoke with Ronnie Fitzgerald, Jack and Nancy Becker, Charlie Lowe, Jane Perocchio, John Rangel, and David Tassenari.

_{Jack Courtney, Ice and Roller Figure Skating Champion - Photo by JO ANN Schneider Farris}