Where do Samuelson/Bates fit in next year?

[Jenna]

Emily and Evan enjoyed a trip to the Olympics in 2010 as the #3 American dance team, but his injury forced them to take an entire season off. Assuming they return in the 2011-12 season, where do you think they will fit in on the totem poll of US teams? Mind you, they have yet to compete a short dance in competition.

Do they replace Chock and Zuerlein as #3 or will they have to settle for fourth best?
Or do they shock everyone with a top two or first place finish?

[Lanna]

They will !

[millipied]

nowhere, unless D/W retire.

[ilovesalchows]

I think C/Z will lose out to S/B and K/G-S next season. In fact, they pretty much were passed by K/G-S this season, but for one fall at nationals.

I think S/B will be team #3, barring recuperation problems.

[Jayar]

I think C/Z will lose out to S/B and K/G-S next season. In fact, they pretty much were passed by K/G-S this season, but for one fall at nationals.

Not accurate. K/G-S were fifth, and were 16 points behind the third place C/Z. Had they not fallen, they would have finished in 4th ahead of the Hubbells.

[dinakt]

They fit with the Sp/Z group
I hope they quickly rebound and are among the three National medalists. I missed them quite a bit this year: their unison, extension and personality.

[casken]

C&Z did better than expected at worlds, and more importantly they are with Shpilband.

I don't see the USFSA dumping them unless S&B have a stellar fall season, (Do they get GP events next year?), or C&Z have an awful season.

No way in hell they're beating the Shibs.

[millipied]

C&Z did better than expected at worlds, and more importantly they are with Shpilband.

I don't see the USFSA dumping them unless S&B have a stellar fall season, (Do they get GP events next year?), or C&Z have an awful season.

No way in hell they're beating the Shibs.

Until Zueva's students competing, S/B can only hope for miracle.

[MikiAndoFan#1]

They will !

[shah]

Until Zueva's students competing, S/B can only hope for miracle.

don't forget that Samuelson and Bates also moved to Z/S camp (after the 2009/2010 season). at least I haven't heard about any other changes.

[UMBS Go Blue]

IN NO TECHNIK here, but I don't see any reason why S/B wouldn't be neck and neck with the Shibs, assuming S/B are able to restart exactly at the point where they left off before Evan's injury.

Also, any news on whether Evan is all recuperated and back on the ice?

[blue_idealist]

Hmm, I'm not sure. I think they'll definitely be behind the Shibs and Davis/White but they may be able to beat Chock/Zuerlein for the third spot. Although, as someone else mentioned, Kriengkrairut and Giulietti-Schmitt might be a factor without a fall, and I'm not sure what the Hubbells are doing. I don't think Samuelson/Bates would have trouble beating the Hubbells now though.

[Twizzler]

Hmm, I'm not sure. I think they'll definitely be behind the Shibs and Davis/White but they may be able to beat Chock/Zuerlein for the third spot. Although, as someone else mentioned, Kriengkrairut and Giulietti-Schmitt might be a factor without a fall, and I'm not sure what the Hubbells are doing. I don't think Samuelson/Bates would have trouble beating the Hubbells now though.

He-Hubbell isn't skating anymore. She is skating with Zach Donohue.

[Allen]

I think the Shibs may have a lock on second in the US, but I feel like S/B can easily pass C/Z. It's sad though, because to me, the most interesting US couple right now is K/G-S. I just wish they could get on the technical level of the other teams.

[Skittl1321]

I would expect them to be the third ranked team, below D/W and the Shibs.

[victoriaheidi]

I'm pretty sure they'll be third, but I think they'll fight with C/Z more than the other two teams.

[centerpt1]

S & B- likely into 3rd after D&W and the Shibs.

Count me as another fan of K & G-S. I really need to learn to pronounce their names.

[blue_idealist]

IN NO TECHNIK here, but I don't see any reason why S/B wouldn't be neck and neck with the Shibs, assuming S/B are able to restart exactly at the point where they left off before Evan's injury.

Also, any news on whether Evan is all recuperated and back on the ice?

Well, the Shibs just won a world medal while Samuelson and Bates have not been close to the podium.

[Smiley0884]

Sadly, I think they're toast

[Conga]

Sadly, I think they're toast

Of course it depends on Evan's recovery from his injury, but I'm curious as to why you say that. I guess I am just not a fan of C/Z, but I can't imagine S/B not moving ahead of them. As for the Shibs and S/B, well, I think that will be interesting. Again, this all depends on Evan's ability to train full out.