Some folks consider the hardships of their favorites, but I honestly don't see the "mainland" USA or Canadian senior skaters having less support than that of skaters from Alaska past, present, or future. They're still considered "exotic". Alaska may be thought of as the "land of snow and ice" but figure skating is not a popular sport up here at all. Even Boitano and KWAN couldn't get butts in the seats when they were up here. Scott Hamilton and Katarina Witt were the last show to actually make it up here, others gave up when they couldn't get the ticket sales they wanted prior to them coming.
So Keegan's fighting a larger battle than a lot of others at his level. And - not speaking of his family's financial issues, but knowing Alaskan's in general - no we aren't all millionaires rolling in the cash... it's far more expensive to live up here than down in the states. Airfare is outrageous, cost of living is far higher, and we don't have any top chorreographers or coaches (sorry Ralph) in the area. Either Keegan is talking Rory into a sweet deal or he's paying through the nose now that she's back south and not here in AK. Most of the "serious" skaters (likea handful, if that) in Alaska have to go outside for large periods of time to get the training and choreography they need. It's not as simple as others.
So, yeah, even "just in practice" - Keegan's jumps have ALWAYS been impressive (and this kid does not sit on his laurels, he skates with the same intensity and technical in shows up here that he does in competition, and the rinks are freaking SMALL).
Not trying to start up the violins, but want to give major props to Keegan - and so many other skaters who work their keesters off without complaining at all for the lack of whatever. They just do what they do.
arty:
