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"A Family Tradition for 133 Years" EE EE... LS a, LL, | 2/01 HM RI DI EI LA TN Y WAVE PORTS @he Povf Povey Shay Golden dreams for local skater Port Perry's Ashlea Jones has high expectations for her future as she plans to compete nationally and hopefully professionally By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Most people think of figure skat- ing as a winter sport. But for 16- year old Ashlea Jones, its' a year round commitment. The Grade 10 student at Port Perry High School was three when she stepped on to the ice at the Scugog Arena for the first time. Three years later she began taking private lessons. Later, coach Brenda Goodger encouraged her to skate competitively. "That's when I started seeing medal returns as a result of the superb training I received," she said. Ashlea has moved on to a new and advanced level of competition. Since last April she has been coached by Anna Forder McLaughlin, the Port Perry skater who competed at the World Championships in Colorado in 1969, and the Olympics in France a year later. In 1969 Ms Forder McLaughlin and Rick Stephens dazzled the country with a gold medal in the pairs competition at the Canadian championships. Training at the Durham Region Skating Academy in Oshawa, Ashlea has advanced far beyond her expectations. "I don't know where I'd be without Anna," she said. "She's my mentor. I look up to her so much." Ms Forder McLaughlin knows first-hand what persistent, hard work can achieve. And now she's passing the message to her student. "She's following my guidelines," she said. "I can't say enough about what Ashlea has accomplished this year. Skating wise and mentally, she's improved so much." Ashlea has moved up to the Junior division, even though she could have remained in the Novice category for another year. But Ashlea left her mark as a Novice, earning a silver medal in the short program and placing well in the long program. "The academy is the best thing that's happened to me in all my skating years," she said. "We have so much fun, but we work our butts off, too. I'm tired when I finish prac- ticing, but I've accomplished a lot, too." Currently a member of the Oshawa Figure Skating Club, Ashlea is committed to the sport 12 months of the year. Taking just three weeks off the ice the entire year, she skates every day but week- ends, doing off-ice training in ballet and aerobics, as well. "People often ask me how I do it, but I say, how can I not do it?" she said. "Skating is my life, and I love it". Every day Ashlea steps onto the ice with a new goal. "It's a real honour to be taught by Anna," she said. "At first I had to prove to her Ashlea Jones, a 16-year-old Grade igh i 10 student at Port Perry High School, has set her sights high in the figure skating world. On skates since she was three, Ashlea now follows a rigorous schedule which will hopefully help her reach her dreams: Making it to the Canadians and touring Europe with professional ice dance troupes. I was worthy of being her pupil. I love being pushed on the ice." Not only does skating demand a strong commitment, it also requires a lot of money for lessons, skates, training and costumes. Between homework, working part-time at the family run Lake Scugog Lumber store, practice on the ice and work- ing out in a mini gym at home, Ashlea's a busy girl, and fortunate to have a very supportive family. Her parents, Debbie and Bryce, as well as grandparents Ted and Jean Griffin, have backed her since the beginning. "I can't put into words how much I appreciate what they've all done for me," she says. Her two brothers, Adam, 19, and Andrew, 23, have also been there to offer support: "Adam has forever been there to motivate me while Andrew is like a rock, someone I can lean on," said Ashlea. When the Port Perry Figure Skating club hosts its annual carni- val on April 9, Ashlea will be a guest skater. "I'm going to put my whole heart and soul into the program," she said. "This is my town, and I'm going to do my best for the crowd". A natural on the ice, she admits her nerves are a little frayed just prior to stepping on to the ice, but once in the limelight all fears vanish as she puts a 100 per cent effort in each performance. She also hopes the younger crowd takes note of this. "I want young kids to look up at me and say that will be their goal, too." Like any aspiring athlete, Ashlea has her share of goals. Among them are getting her gold dances this summer, and eventually making it to the Canadians. "I'd also love to go on tour with Disney or with Holidays on Ice throughout Europe," she said. Ashlea has sage advice for those coming up the ranks: "If you're thinking of becoming a competitive skater, don't let anyone stand in your way. If you want to do it bad enough, you can do it." 0° os THE NUTTY (HOCOLATIER Downtown Port Perry on Queen St. Sunday, April 4 starts at 12 noon "Rain or Shine "Prizes for all © Between the ages of 3 and 7 Come Early to Meet THE EASTER BUNNY All children residents of Scugog Township are invited to participate. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ADDITIONAL SPONSORS: e Jayson Callan Music e Johnvince Foods e Scugog Chamber of Commerce 4 A 0 Avs op i) oe & EY. Ce ch) RR A FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 985-0761