 | |
| Vol. 19, No. 10 | Nov. 4, 1999 |
| |
| Vol. 19, No. 10 | Nov. 4, 1999 |
Coach Tracy Poletis demonstrates her support.
They glide across the ice locked in the isolation that only complete concentration can bring. The skaters at UD's Ice Skating Science Development Center appear almost oblivious to each other as they practice their jumps, turns and spins. Although all hear the same music, each seems to skate to a different tune.
Off the ice, it's a different story. The skaters, their parents and coaches are part of an extended family, one that binds together individuals in this sport from across the country. That fact has been most evident in the aftermath of a skating accident that interrupted the career of pairs skaters Paul Binnebose and Laura Handy, who train at the UD center.
Skaters across the country have rallied in support of Binnebose, who faces a long road to recovery after a near-fatal fall Sept. 29 that resulted in a severe brain injury. Skaters who train at UD as well as friends of the skater are wearing and selling ribbons to help raise money to help pay Binnebose's hospital bills. The ribbons are navy blue and purple-the colors Binnebose and Handy wore last year when they placed third in the nation in pairs figure skating and became part of the elite U.S. Senior World Team.
The ice arena is accepting donations to a Binnebose fund, administered by the Delaware Amateur Skating Foundation.
Binnebose's coach, Tracy Poletis, said that cards and letters have been pouring in, and young skaters across the country have sent drawings. Internet chatrooms, like one maintained by Figure Skating World OnLine, are full of get-well wishes for Binnebose.
"We're all very close. It's been hard on everybody," Poletis said. "Right now, we all just want him to get as healthy as possible. It's tough. He has a lot to face. Whether or not he skates again will have to be his decision. We're not worrying about that now, we're just hoping for a 100 percent recovery.
"He's a big strong kid with a strong mind. He's a fighter. He's had to fight to get this far and he'll continue to fight," Poletis said. "When you think that the two of them have only skated together for two years and that they made the U.S. team-well, that's determination, that's pretty unheard of. Paul and Laura have left quite an impression on people across the country."
Coach Ron Ludington, who was working with the pair at the time of the accident, agrees.
"He's very determined. He has all the qualities going for a great comeback. Things are looking good, and we are cautiously optimistic. Everyone here has been worried about him. We all want to see him heal," Ludington said. Poletis said she hopes to get Handy, who has been at Binnebose's bedside daily, back on the ice, perhaps, for a start, helping her teach young children.
"Laura got a double whammy. Paul's not just her partner, he's her boyfriend, too," Ludington said. "She hasn't skated since the accident and whether she does again or not will be her decision. She will probably want to do what's best for Paul."
When UD skaters participated in Skate America '99 last weekend in Colorado Springs, they wore blue and gold ribbons in support of Binnebose and Handy.
The purple and navy ribbons worn by almost all the other skaters, especially those on the U.S. National Team, were designed by Audrey Wesiger, coach of 1999 men's national champion and world bronze medalist Michael Weiss.
To find out more about purchasing a ribbon or making a donation to the Binnebose fund, contact Poletis at the arena, telephone 831-2868.
-Beth Thomas
Photo by Robert Cohen
