"The Waitress and the Truck Driver"

[silverpond]

Was viewing (again) my videotapes from the 1992 Winter Olympics and thoroughly enjoyed the competitions. One of the highlights, IMHO, was the performances of the US Pairs Champions, Calla Urbanski and Rocky Marval, affectionally known as the "Waitress and the Truck Driver", in honor of their professions. The media fed on the story, which was a nice twist from the somewhat high-brow image of international figure skating. Calla and Rocky came from blue-collar, working-class families, and they continued to work in their "day jobs" while training as world-class skaters. Good for them! :thumbsup:

Calla and Rocky weren't considered favorites to medal, and they made unfortunate errors in their short and long programs. In fact, after the long program, Calla was viewed mouthing her opinion of their skate - "a piece of s---". Oh, well! :disapp:

Do you guys remember them??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calla_Urbanski
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Marval

 

[jcoates]

Yes I remember them. I actually just watched their free skates from Nationals from 91-93 two days ago. Calla and Rocky were brutally honest about each other and their competition. It was refreshing for the most part, although I'm sure they rubbed many establishment types the wrong way. Calla had the absolute wackiest axel technique I've ever seen from an elite level skater. Still they were a very energetic, almost out of control pair that was very exciting to watch. In hindsight you could argue that they skated with far more attack than at least our current crop of US pairs and perhaps some of the international teams as well.

I always thought they were sort of a poor man's version of Brasseur and Eisler. Their programs were similar in approach, choreography and Calla and Isabelle's jumping deficiencies. Rocky and Lloyd were both bulls in a china shop who improved their presentation somewhat over time. Of course after they all turned pro, Isabelle and Rocky ended up getting married.

Here are their standout performances from Nationals where they won the free skate for 3 consecutive years and 2 straight national titles.

1991
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC_lYQeD4yU

1992
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5scBsfNl9Z4

1993
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWWWPqMkLp0

 

[dorispulaski]

Absolutely.

They used to sell buttons, like campaign buttons, with their names on them in the lobby at Nationals to help fund their skating. I still have one.

When they first skated together in the 1990/1991 season, Calla was already 30.

1991 LP US Nationals. They finished second.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awrdSVuR4nw

1992 LP US Nationals. They won.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n26Mo-Yml5E

1993 LP US Nationals. They won.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWWWPqMkLp0

In 1994, they went pro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxRnpYzD7vI

The height and distance on her throw triple loop was excellent. The double axel throw from a lunge was unique. And some of their lifts were very unique in both their entries and exits.

Rocky married Isabelle Brasseur of Brasseur & Eisler of Canada.

 

[Olympia]

I loved having this couple as our national champions. They were a breath of fresh air. They were brave and tough and hardworking. How lovely that you have one of their buttons still! They were enjoyable as pros also.

 

[iluvtodd]

Yes, I remember them from the early 1990's. They performed in last December's "Caesars' Tribute to the Golden Age of US Figure Skating" (Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City) & were phenomenal! Unfortunately their program, which brought down the house, was not aired on NBC (along with 6 other worthy performances ), but you can watch it on Youtube.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysznl_IK0XU

I've tried posting this link several times. If the video doesn't come up, search for "Calla Urbanski & Rocky Marval - Caesars' Tribute."

 

[silverpond]

I know it's a bit wacky to reply to your own post; however, it was great to read the responses. I, too, considered Calla and Rocky to be a breath of fresh air in the high-charged, highly political, and sometimes-a-bit-snobby figure skating establishment. This pair made it to the US championships the hard way. There were no rich parents, corporate sponsors, or much in the way of other financial support for them to lean on. They made it, and it was to their own credit, in my opinion.

Granted, their technique wasn't as polished as the top pairs teams, and there was always that element of concern that they would not land their throws and/or jumps. But, boy, could they ever entertain the audience. And figure skating IS a performance sport.

I appreciated their frank, honest self-appraisals. I always respected them for their achievements.

 

[callalily]

I enjoyed the raw energy of their performances. Thanks for reminding me.