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It was an unseasonably warm, and windy weekend for this years Nationals in beautiful Downers Grove, IL. Even though the weather wasn’t the best for sculpting ice, it was great for the spectators, as we had a good turn out.
We had 27 total competitors, with 16 of them in the Professional Division and 11 in the Masters Division competing for the title of National Champion.
It was a close race in both divisions and notably absent were last years National Champion Aaric Kendall and the first place spot from last years Pro division Andrew Thistlewaite.
After a rough first day of 60 degree weather and high winds Ben Rand was in first place (89.93) followed really closely by Kevin Gregory (89.83) in the Masters division. In the Pro’s Dean Murray and Michael Stoddart were also neck and neck with Dean scoring a 83.03 and Michael with a score of 82.87.
The next day was better weather then the previous but still not ideal carving conditions with temperatures in the high 40’s with little or no wind. But it was enough of a change for mixing up the final placements.
All eyes were on Kevin’s Phoenix assembly. His beautifully chiseled wings were quite a site on a warm day. The crowd and Kevin shared some tense moments as he was fusing on very large and difficult welds for any conditions.
Ben Rand the current leader after the first day was suffering from some fusing issues but was working through them to finish his piece on time. Several others dealt with fusing problems on both days such as Chad Hartson who suffered a crash on day two, as well as Greg Butauski on the first day with mere seconds to go.
Over at the Pro’s Robert Childers had an early crash on day one, along with some others. It was tough to watch for the spectators and carvers alike. Carvers did their best to put up pieces in this weather and should be commended for
doing so.
The Pro’s were dueling it out on day two, with some stiff competition among them. Dean Murray and Michael Stoddart were both on track to maybe win the overall Pro division. However in the end it was a surprise victory by Chef Eric Pfaff who shot up the top spot after sitting in sixth with a low silver on the first day. Chef Eric scored an 86.77 to climb to the top on day two and clinch first overall for the weekend. Eric placed third last year and second in 2007 and was pleased to finally take it this year. Dean took second and John Flottman rounded out the top three after climbing from fifth position on the first day.
In the race for this years National Champion Kevin Gregory climbed to a clear victory scoring a 92.93 on the second day and 14 point cumulative point lead over second place. Bill Covitz climbed to second and Ben Rand finished out the top three.
It was exciting, surprising and nerve racking to watch this years Nationals. In both divisions placements were shook up after the second day of carving. With the amount of talent and obstacles such weather conditions first place isn’t decided until the last sculpture is judged. Proving once again that The NICA U.S. National Championships is one of the toughest competitions in the World.
A special thanks to the Village of Downers Grove, IL for all they have done this year and the past two, without them none of this would have been possible. See you next year! Who will be Next Years Champ?
