It was Valentine’s Day 2016 at the conclusion of the Port
Richey, Florida, Presidents Day Invitational when Jack Greer and his coach, Melissa Quinn Cropley, took
the floor for their warm-up. It had been
three years of training and cross training leading up to this moment with an
audience of friends and coaches there to support him. Seven international dances were about to be
successfully skated in order to complete the most difficult and final RSA Team International
Dance test.
Jack passed his American Team Gold Medal test in 1958 with
his then Senior Dance partner, Linda Jo Baker. They also took the Bronze Medal
in 1959 and went on to capture the U.S. Gold Medal in Senior Dance in 1960 and
1961 at the U.S. Championships.
After leaving the sport for more than 20 years, Jack fell in
love with skating again after seeing the World Class Dance teams performing the
international style dances. He was
partnered with Cecile Moran Raposa and took the U.S. Bronze Medal in 1991 in Masters
Team Dance. Eventually, the opportunity
presented itself and Jack began testing in the International Dances with Coach,
Melissa Quinn Cropley. In describing her, “You would have to skate with Melissa
to realize the power it takes to become a world champion. She made my dream possible as she is not only
a great coach but also a wonderful human being who respects the efforts of
older skaters. Age was not to be a
factor as we focused on the training and skills needed for the international
style dances. We treated the final test
as an athletic event and as a team going all out, nothing held back and no
excuses.”
“Thanks to Melissa who skated every step with me along the
way, my dream came true. I got to relive
my youth of 1958 again in 2016. I hope
that if there is any message in this for older skaters, it is not to let anyone
discourage you from your dreams at any age.
It’s not over yet. Just surround
yourself with positive people, always work hard and never give up.”
Jack: So happy for you..well deerved. Of all years not to be at the contest, it was this one. Sorry I miseed this great achievement. 😄😎fkpk