Sixteen-year-old Traighe Rouse has qualified for his second Nationals at the junior level, after placing 5th in 2004. He made his debut on the Junior Grand Prix this fall, placing 4th in Serbia-Montenegro and 8th in Romania. He then placed 2nd at Eastern Sectionals to advance to 2005 Nationals. Rouse represents the University of Delaware FSC and trains in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. His long-time coach is Vicki Helgenberg, with assistance from her two children, Brian and Donna Helgenberg.

When and how did you begin skating?
I began skating when I was about six years old after watching my brother and sister skate.

What has been the most memorable moment in your skating career so far?
Nationals 2004, because it was my first Nationals [since 2001 as a novice] after being injured.

What has been the biggest challenge or disappointment that you have overcome in your skating career?
I think the biggest challenge/disappointment was the year I had an inflamed growth plate in my back [in 2001-2002]. I was off for nearly a year and it took me a great deal longer to finally get back into the competitive groove.

How long have you been working with your current coaches and how would you describe their coaching styles/philosophies?
I have been working with my current coaches since the day I started skating, and I believe their style/philosophies to be very sound.

What was your experience like at 2004 Nationals (5th in Junior Men) and what did you learn?
I learned that you can never take anything for granted, something I tend to forget, and that no matter how tough things get you just have to stick with it and persevere.

For your short program this year you've chosen to skate to "Winter" by Bond. How do you feel you have put your own stamp on this music made famous by Alexei Yagudin at the 2002 Olympics?
Although I'm sure people associate “Winter” with “Yagudin,” I like to think that the difference between our styles is what will make people think it's a new piece of music, rather than an attempt to copy a great skater.

How many seasons have you skated the Christopher Columbus soundtrack and what do you like about this music?
Haha, I've skated to it for so many that I've lost count. I've always liked it; it's powerful, smooth, and has grace all at the same time and every time I hear it I can't help but imagine skating to it.

Who choreographed your programs and how involved are you in the choreographic process?
Donna Helgenberg, my coach's daughter, choreographed them and I am very involved in the lessons.

How have you improved as a skater since last year?
Physically, my elements have gotten faster and stronger. Mentally, I feel more confident and relaxed at competitions than I previously did.

Was there one competition (club/non-qualifying or qualifying) in which you performed well that helped build your confidence this season? If yes, which one and please explain why.
Liberty; it was the first competition with my new short program, as well as seeing a lot of different competitors.

You competed in two internationals this spring -- winning the gold at Copenhagen Trophy in Denmark (via the Young International Competition program) and Gardena Spring Trophy in Italy -- as well as your first two Junior Grand Prix events this fall (4th in Serbia-Montenegro and 8th in Romania). What were the highlights and did you have a favorite country to visit?
One of the highlights was seeing the variety of skills the other skaters had. I was amazed at the different focuses of the European and Asian skater. While technically a lot of them would have difficulty here in the U.S. as far as jumps go, their artistic talent and spinning capabilities are incredible. As for a favorite place, Selva Val Gardena [Italy] was probably my favorite out of the four.

How would you assess your performances at Eastern Sectionals?
While I believe I skated decently, I know that I could have done better. But then again, don't we all?

Will you be making any significant changes (on the technical and/or presentation sides) in your programs for Nationals?
Nothing major, just lots of work on presentation and "pizzazz."

What are your goals for Nationals in Portland? Long term skating goals?
I hope to place in the top three at this year’s Nationals. One of my long term goals (actually it's more of a dream) is to be remembered as "One of the Greats," where young, hopeful skaters say "I wanna skate like Traighe Rouse one day."

What do you consider to be the strongest and weakest aspects of your skating?
I think my strongest is my understanding of the basic and technical skating skills, while my worst is probably my inflexible nature when it comes to trying new things.

What is your current favorite jump, spin and connecting element to do?
My favorite jump would have to be either the axel or lutz, spin would be camel, and connecting element....does a spread eagle count?

You did some pairs skating this past summer. What was that experience like and did pairs help you in your singles skating?
I greatly enjoyed pairs for having only done it a short period of time. While I don't feel that my single skating has benefited too much from pairs, I do like the fact that I can now tell one lift from the other.

What person or persons have had the greatest influence on your skating?
My coach, Vicki Helgenberg. She's always been there for me and has helped me great through a lot.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
Brian Joubert and Alexei Yagudin, both for their style and strength in skating.

What is your current schooling arrangement, grade, favorite and least favorite subjects?
Currently I am home schooled, in eleventh grade, and my favorite subjects are Math and Science with English being my least favorite.

What are your goals beyond skating?
Well, as of now I don't have too much planned. I hope to one day coach figure skating and pass on the knowledge that was given to me.

What do you like to do for fun away from the ice? What are some of your hobbies/interests?
I like to read and play video games, as well as most other sports and martial arts.

What is your ethnic heritage and that of your first name? Can it be mentioned that you were adopted?
Pakistani/Filipino. Sure, mention I'm adopted. Proud of it! My first name, “Traighe,” is of Scottish origin.

What do you like the most about skating that motivates you to keep going day in and day out?
I just love skating, from jumping to spinning. The feeling of gliding on the ice to me is one of the greatest sensations ever.

Biographical Information