Susan Nagy had been doing a lot of coaching and her experiences took her to Nova Scotia recently to join Team Saskatchewan Figure Skating for competition in the Canada games for nine days last month.
Head coach of the Yorkton Skating Club, Nagy was chosen as one of three qualified coaches for the Team Sask coaches for the Games.
They took place in Halifax from Feb. 19-27.
"I had to apply for it," she told the paper upon her arrival back home. "We were preparing athletes for a year and a half," she said of the work involved in competing in the Canada Games.
It was an 18-month process that took her all over the country, including Hamilton and Barrie, ON., as well as far west to Vancouver.
She told the paper that last week was her first weekend which she could spend uninterrupted at home, in six weeks.
"It's been crazy," she said.
Following the Yorkton Skating Club's "Variety Extravaganza" slated for this Sunday at the Gallagher Centre, Nagy said she is looking forward to a week off.
In regards to her notification that she had been selected to help coach on Team Sask, she said they had contacted her based on her figure skating resume, as well as her experience coaching the club based in Yorkton and other credentials.
"You have to be Level III certified," she states.
Candidates also are required to agree to join the team, participation isn't mandatory, she said.
Nagy was one of two coaches who were voted in, a third served as the team manager. Bev Pancracs, of Esterhazy, was the other coach.
The athletes were "amazing" said Nagy, reflecting on her experiences. "These are elite athletes of the country."
In regards to the hosts, Nagy said "they were just amazing hosts".
She added that this was the first time the event had been held in a city of Halifax's size.
"All the venue sites were full," she said. It was also an experience that the kids likely got the full effect from, comparing in some ways to the atmosphere/environment associated with competition in the Olympic Games.
"For some of the kids, it's like the Olympics (for provinces)," she suggested.
Nagy also suggested that the experience wouldn't have happened for her had she not acquired her Level III coaching certificate, a necessity to be involved in coaching at that level.
"Take those exams needed for Level III," she said with a smile, to anyone currently wondering whether or not they should take it.
From the competition at the Games, she said the Saskatchewan team brought home a bronze medal along with "many personal bests", she said.
The days in Nova Scotia were long, too, she said. Starting at 5:30 a.m., and not ending until late at night.
"It was gruelling she said," looking back on those nine days, "but it was worth it".
Nagy said she has been coaching for 24 years, and looks forward to a busy July and August where she hopes to hold a summer camp.
