Larry Laborde Interview from Ice Chalet on Vimeo.
Interviews with Team Blades
Mariana's Interview from Ice Chalet on Vimeo.
Natalie's Interview from Ice Chalet on Vimeo.
Camron's Interview from Ice Chalet on Vimeo.
Olivia's Interview from Ice Chalet on Vimeo.
Callie's Interview from Ice Chalet on Vimeo.
2017 Team Blades Members
Mia Kojima
I have been skating at the Ice Chalet for approximately 8 years, the majority of my life. Outside of skating, I enjoy drawing, writing, reading, the outdoors, and photography. My family and friends mean the world to me and I am always willing to expand my little community.
Olivia Ford
I am in Freestyle 3. I have been skating for 6 years. I have also performed in the Nutcracker On Ice for 5 years and competed in several competitions.
Lily Grace Cowherd
I have been skating for 4 years and loving it! I love to hang out with friends and family!
Channing Clarke
I am a 7 year figure skater at the Robert Unger and Larry LaBorde School of Skating. I am also a participant in many extracurricular activities such as modeling, acting, and dirt bike riding. I attend Hardin Valley Elementary, where I am on Honor Roll, involved in Harmony Hawks, and was selected from that group to participate in the Knox County Elementary Honors Choir. His most favorite achievement is being selected as a Safety Patrol Officer.
Erich Hebenstreit
I am a freshman in high school and I have been skating for almost seven years. I am in freestyle 5 and in pairs 4.
Chloe Ingle
I am 12 years old and have been skating for 3 years. I am in Freestyle 5 and have a goal to be in Freestyle 10 before I graduate from High School. Skating is my passion and helping someone appreciate and enjoy the art of Ice Skating makes me happy.
Camron Nipper
Camron began skating at what might be considered a late age of 9years old. She attended a family public skate session and she was hooked for life! Camron has been happy with her success in competing with both ISI (Nationals and Worlds) and USFS Regionals to date.
Trinity Nipper
I’ve been skating for 3 years. I am in Freestyle 7, and working on Freestyle 8. I enjoy riding horses and other sports too.
Christina "Turtle" Rogers
I am a Freestyle 6 figure skater here at the Ice Chalet. I’m an 8th grade homeschooled student. Besides skating I enjoy horseback riding, cheerleading, and dancing! My favorite skating jumps are axels and split jumps and my favorite spins are camels and lay back spins! I am so happy to be a part of this program and I hope that I can continue to share the joy of skating with other kids!
Mary Liz Bell
I am a junior at Oak Ridge High School. I am currently working on Freestyle 7, Ice Dance 6, and Novice Moves in the Field. I have been a skater at the Ice Chalet for 9 years.
Jeshua Jacklet
I have been skating for 12 years. I am working on Freestyle 6. My other hobbies outside of skating include robotics and band.
Tate Carty
I’m eleven and I’ve gone to the Ice Chalet for 8 years. I am in Freestyle 4. Although my favorite sport is figure skating, I also play hockey, I do krav maga, run cross country, and I’m a Boy Scout hoping to someday become an Eagle Scout. In my spare time, I ride my bike around my neighborhood with my friends and play online with friends.
Natalie Hebenstreit
I am 16 years old and a junior at Lenoir City High School. I have been skating for almost 7 years. I have participated in Nutcracker On Ice for 6 years and synchro and theatre for 5 years. I am in freestyle 5 and working on dance 4.
Callie Wershing
I have been skating for 8 years. I have passed Freestyle 7 and Dance 5. I have experience competing at ISI National Events. Outside of skating I enjoy spending time with friends and my favorite food is cookies.
Jonathan Shelton
A tall red headed high schooler from Jefferson County with a big smile and a quick hand to help skaters improve their skills would describe me best. Ice skating is a sport that unites skill with grace in a unique way that is fun. Advancing through the ISI program beginning when I was 4 until today in my current Freestyle 7 standing brings on appreciation for my coaches, and the sport that offers pride in one’s accomplishments. I enjoy the variety of opportunities that skating brings, whether it is individual skating, pair skating, or the many team skating events. In addition I am a foodie. In other words, whether is a passion learning, tasting, growing or baking – I’m all in!
Molly Culliton
I'm 16 years old and I've been skating for 7 - 8 years. I'm currently working on Freestyle 5. I'm also a Girl Scout and worked at summer day camps helping elementary aged kids. It is fun.
I just started working at the Ice Chalet about a month ago and I already enjoy helping others with tying skates and learning how to stand up on skates. I would really enjoy helping someone who is interested in ice skating learn to skate and be the best they can possibly be. I want to help someone be the best skater they can be and have fun in the process.
Mariana Harrison
Team Blades sounds like an amazing opportunity and I would love to be a part of it. I love the sport of ice skating and using it to help others would be such an honor. It is a blessing to know that the Ice Chalet is helping these children and I want to be a part of it in any way possible.
Skating with the Stars: The Stars and Coaches
The Stars
The Coaches
Professional Wrestler & Business Owner
Glenn 'Kane' Jacobs
Kane has won 23 total championships during his WWF/E career, including being a three-time world champion (having held the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship, and WWE's World Heavyweight Championship once each) and a 12-time world tag team champion, having held the WWF/E (World) Tag Team Championship, WCW Tag Team Championship, and WWE Tag Team Championships with various partners.
He is also a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and a 2010 Money in the Bank winner. Kane is the third man to win the WWE Grand Slam. Kane also holds the all-time record of eliminations at Royal Rumble with 44 eliminations.
Pro Partner
Jill Brehmer
Jill Brehmer has been skating since she was 8 years old. She skated and competed in the United States Figure Skating Association system, achieving triple gold medalist status by passing her Senior Moves-in-the-Field, Senior Freestyle, and Gold Dance tests.
Vote for Glenn ‘Kane’ Jacobs and Jill Brehmer
WATE Side Reporter
Laura Halm
My family moved quite a bit growing up. I was born in Michigan and raised in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Missouri, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Dancing has always been a passion of mine. In fact, I used to compete in Irish step dancing (though you can still find me doing a jig), but more recently I’ve fallen in love with swing dancing. Knitting, running, reading, exploring downtown Knoxville, and laughing with friends are what make me happiest.
I love asking questions and “Why?” seems to be a favorite of mine! I’m naturally curious, always wanting to know more and that’s what I love about news. I get to ask questions, find answers, and discover something new about our area everyday. Plus, I get a glimpse of history as it’s happening. Not a bad job description right?
Pro Partner
Larry LaBorde
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Larry LaBorde has been with the Ice Chalet since 1967. Larry spent five years touring with Holiday On Ice, the U.S. tour that is now called Disney On Ice. He holds the Registered rating in "Moves in the Field," and he is also rated in Hockey I and II. Larry is a Gold Medalist in Ice Dance in the United States Figure Skating Association (USFS) system.
Manager of the Ice Chalet since 1988 and owner since 2013, Larry was named Man of the Year by the Ice Skating Institute (ISI) in 1996.
Vote for Laura Halm and Larry LaBorde
Star
Chris Brown
Coming soon!
Pro Partner
Lauren McHenry
Lauren McHenry grew up competing in the US Figure Skating system, and has passed Senior Moves-in-the-Field, Gold plus International Ice Dance, and Novice Freestyle. Lauren has been seasonally coaching since 2005 in Raleigh, NC and in Oxford, OH. She has experience teaching basic skills, freestyle, high-level choreography, all levels of Ice Dance, ice show/audition preparation, synchro skills, and youth/collegiate synchronized skating teams.
Vote for Chris Brown and Lauren McHenry
Star
Cecil Scarborough
I’m originally from Clinton, Tn and went on to graduate from the University of Tn. In 1993. I was a walk-on football player for the University of Tn during the early 90’s. After graduating from UT I married my beautiful Wife Alpa and became the proud father of twin girls who are now 17. I’ve been referred to as a serial entrepreneur do to my want to grow and to continue to learn new industries. I began my business career as a Construction Manager for single family homes and then moved into Insurance sales in 1994 before becoming an owner/operator of multiple Hotels, working with two of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, working with a patient direct care company in pain management and now holding distributorships with medical devices while being the current Owner of Ace Insurance Consultants.
During this time I’ve enjoyed coaching children through KYS and supporting our community by participating with different local charities either by direct donation or sitting on the board. I’m currently the President of the board for Random Act of Flowers.
Pro Partner
Ella Husley
Ella Hulsey began skating at the Ice Chalet at age 11. She has competed in many ISI competitions and performs in the annual production of the Nutcracker on Ice. She has passed Freestyle 4 and Dance 6.
Ella is certified as a bronze-level judge, and has been teaching Tots through Delta classes since 2013. She has her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee and currently works as a registered nurse.
Vote for Cecil Scarbough and Ella Husley
CIO Covenant Health
Mike Ward
Mike Ward is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Covenant Health, a multi-facility healthcare system comprised of 7 hospitals, a behavioral hospital, and multiple physician practices located across eastern Tennessee, headquartered in Knoxville, TN.
He also currently serves as President of the Board of the East Tennessee Health Information Network serving a 17 county regon of east Tennessee, as well as serving as the Co-Chair of the Technology Workgroups for HIP-TN the State of Tennessee HIE/RHIO oversight organization.
Mr. Ward is a member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), is a CHCIO - Certified Healthcare CIO, and currently serves on the Board of the Tennessee chapter of HIMSS. Prior to joining Covenant in 2003, he was with SAIC- Science Applications International Corporation for 23 years, serving as Assistant Vice President and Directior of Systems Integration, and he served for 2 years as Systems Manager for DeRoyal Industries.
Mr. Ward received a Bachelor degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee. He is a "blessed man", has been married for 29 years, and is the father of three - one daughter and two sons.
Pro Partner
Jennifer Bradley
Jennifer has been skating since the age of 3 and has been teaching for over 20 years. She also toured with Ice Capades and Rosstyn Ice Shows. Jennifer has a B.S. in Business Admin. from UT. She is certified as an ISI instructor (Intermediate) and is a Silver-level judge.
Vote for Mike Ward and Jennifer Bradley
Star
Dejan Veljkovic
I began my career with Covenant Health in 2001 at Parkwest Medical Center. Over the years as Covenant Health was growing so were my responsibilities in the Engineering Department. In 2008 I was given an opportunity to oversee the Engineering operations for Peninsula Behavioral Health, a Department of Parkwest Medical Center. In 2013 I became a Multi-Site Manager overseeing Engineering Departments in Parkwest Medical Center, Roane Medical Center, Fort Loudoun Medical Center and Peninsula Behavioral Health. Recently I also acquired Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System as part of my responsibilities.
I have enjoyed the past 16 years working at Covenant Health and I am looking forward to the future.
Pro Partner
Lucie Krausova
Lucie was an ISU World's European competitor. She was the 1999 Czech Junior Champion and she’s a three time Czech Senior Ladies Champion. Since turning professional 10 years ago, Lucie has performed as a principal skater in productions such as Dynamic Ice Productions in Wolfsburg, Germany; Rand Productions; Illusion on Ice; Camahue Productions in Spain. Throughout her 10 years of professional skating experience Lucie was privileged to perform for many Willy Bietak Productions Ice Shows on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Vote for Dejan Veljkovic and Lucie Krausova
Star
Terry Bullman
Terry Bullman has been involved in martial arts and combat sports for over 20 years. A Second Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, he has also competed professionally as a boxer, kickboxer and cage fighter and helped develop the popular television show The Human Weapon which aired on the History Channel.
Pro Partner
Amanda Cloutier
Amanda Cloutier started skating at a very young age and taught for seven years at the Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville before moving to East Tennessee. She has passed ISI Freestyle 8 and Dance 5, as well as USFS Novice Free, Senior Moves, and Bronze Dance. She has also completed her Gold-level ISI Judging Certification. Her most memorable time on the ice included a family spotlight she skated with her younger brothers and father.
Vote for Terry Bullman and Amanda Cloutier
“This could be a quote from the star about the experience or what they hope to accomplish, etc.” — Stars Name Here
WBIR Anchor/Reporter
Kendall Morris
Kendall Morris is an AP award-winning anchor/reporter for WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with departmental honors in journalism from Texas Christian University with a degree in broadcast journalism. On July 1, 2011, Kendall was crowned Miss Texas 2011. She represented the Lone Star State in the 2012 Miss America Pageant on ABC where she was a top 10 semi-finalist, preliminary swimsuit winner, and overall instrumentalist. Through the Miss America Organization, Kendall earned more than $30,000 in scholarships that went toward finishing her degree at TCU.
During her year as Miss Texas, Kendall traveled the state speaking about her platform "Leukemia: Living for a Cure" in honor of her dad, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in 2007. She also promoted the Children's Miracle Network, motivated thousands of students through her school program, and volunteered with numerous philanthropic organizations. When Kendall is not reporting on stories about East Tennesseans, she enjoys running, online shopping, public speaking, and cheering on the TCU Horned Frogs!
Pro Partner
Donnie Ernst
Donnie grew up in Louisville Kentucky and trained with Robert Unger for many years in Knoxville. He has competed in recreational skating competitions all over the country and even represented the Ice Skating Institute at an exhibition in Dubai.
He met his wife Shawnda at the Ice Chalet, and they have two beautiful children, Emily and Nicholas, who have also become involved in ice skating. He works with ProForms and enjoys his work there as a salesman. He thinks he and Kendall Morris have a good shot at winning Skating with the Stars (don’t forget to vote for them!).
Vote for Kendall Morris and Donnie Ernst
Star
Grady Regas
W. Grady Regas has over twenty years experience in the Restaurant Industry and is most famous for conceiving and developing the Grady’s Goodtimes concept which grew to more than fifty restaurants.
Grady Regas comes from a restaurant family. In the early 1920s, the Regas brothers began with a small 24-hour cafe to service the continually flowing crowd from the neighboring train station. Their passion for the service industry became well understood over the years and their establishment grew, eventually becoming one of Knoxville's most revered and longest standing establishments. The Regas family created an atmosphere that drew people in and a space for people to gather and connect. Regas operated in Knoxville in the original location for over 9 decades...
Pro Partner
Laurel Brunell
Laurel Brunell grew up skating at the Ice Chalet, and has appeared in many productions of Nutcracker On Ice over the years, as well as regularly competing in ISI national and regional competitions. She passed Freestyle 7 in the ISI program and is a Silver-level certified judge. Laurel attended Disney University in Anaheim, California.
Vote for Grady Regas and Laurel Brunell
Skating with the Stars 2017
Skating with Stars
Join us on the evening of Saturday June 17th, 2017 at 7PM to help us benefit the new Skate For Our Future program at the Ice Chalet.
At Skating with the Stars, local celebrities will perform skating numbers with their coach, working to win your vote and the vote of the guest judges! The winning celebrity will win a coveted Ice Chalet medal, and all celebrities will have the enduring thanks of all the staff and participants of the Skate for Our Future program!
Ticket prices are $65 for Bronze Level, $75 for Silver Level, and $100 for Gold Level tickets. Ice Chalet Skating Club Member ticket price is $50 for Bronze Level and $65 for Silver Level (club members should request the club coupon code). Silver and Gold tickets are available on a limited basis and include priority seating for the performance, as well as extra vote tickets to help your favorite celebrity win!
Please note: Gold Level tickets are available for purchase at the Ice Chalet main counter just inside the entrance.
We look forward to seeing you on June 17th for great performances, great company, and to support a great cause!
- LEARN more about this year’s Stars and Coaches here.
- BUY Tickets for this year’s Skating with the Stars here.
For more information, Please contact the Ice Chalet at (865)588-1858, or the Skate For Our Future Program at skate4ourfuture@gmail.com.
A Black Tie Affair 2017
A Back Tie Affair at the Ice Chalet
Join us on the evening of December 4, 2017 for a Black Tie Affair in support of Skate For Our Future. It will be an elegant evening, filled with entertainment, good friends, and supporting a good cause! The evening will be family affair, all ages are welcome.
Tickets for the evening are $125 apiece and include:
- Dinner
- Ice Show
- Music
- Nutcracker Memories
Group tables (includes 6 tickets) are available for $575. Every table purchased supports 1 skater’s complete participation in the Skate For Our Future program.
Children under 2, that can be seated in an adult’s lap, will be free admission.
Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Chief Development Officer, Angie Ingle, at ahingle2@gmail.com or visit our Donation page.