Experience the mission as young squad takes on best
David Jean, Canberra Times
15 August 2007

ACT figure skating coach Reg Park will be happy with a ''middle of the field'' finish for his inexperienced team when it competes in the Australian Championships at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium starting on Saturday.

The ACT will send a 10-strong team to the eight-day championships as it continues life without five-time senior national champion Miriam Manzano. Park said his young charges were not yet at a level to compete for the national title, but the experience gained from competing against Australia's best would set them up for a more successful campaign in 2008.

''Since Miriam Manzano retired we don't have a top senior lady any more and we've had a few injuries in the top levels,'' Park said. ''We're looking at a mixed bag and I'll be happy if they come middle of the field. I don't think they'll take out any titles.''

The ACT has struggled for depth since last year's retirement of Manzano, who was a controversial omission from the 2006 Winter Olympics team. The team took a further blow last month when novice boys champion Justin Ramsden was involved in a car accident, ruling him out of the championships.

Park said youngster Essex Reid would also struggle to be at her best after suffering concussion in a competition earlier this year. He said primary girls Alexis Kooyman, Karuna Henderson and Bethany McMahon would hold the ACT in good stead for the future. ''We don't seem to have the quality in the higher levels at the moment, however we've got three young primary girls who are doing quite well,'' he said. ''I don't think they'll come very high up but they should do well for their first time in the nationals.

''I'd be very happy for them if they can all do a good showing. ''I think they're all well prepared but we have had a lot of injuries that has made it very difficult for us.'' Park also expected novice ladies champion Heidi Freeman to relish her experience at a national level. ''This is her first time at this level in the nationals and it's quite a large field so if she comes middle of the field I'd be very happy. ''It will be good experience and next year might be a different story.''