DOUGLAS A. KAID

Herald Staff Writer

ELLENTON -Jeremy Barrett said he isn't worried about the financial difficulties that plague J.P. Igloo Ice & Inline Sports Complex. He's been associated with and trained at the facility since it opened, and he plans to stay there.

But if J.P. Igloo, which is in bankruptcy court, were to close, Barrett's future wouldn't change all that much.

"We really haven't talked about it too much, but we'll be able to find ice anywhere," said Barrett, who along with his pairs partner, Shantel Jordan, are two of the most prominent and promising skaters to come through the program and the 2004 U.S. Figure Skating Junior Pairs gold medalists.

"I'm sure we'll be right here," Barrett said. "But no matter what, we'll go where (J.P. Igloo figure skating director Kerry Leitch) goes."

According to Leitch, Barrett's situation isn't much different than any of the top skaters at the school. The longtime coach, who trained Olympians and national champions in his native Canada, said none of the national and world competitors in the program have left the the figure skating school since word of financial woes started to spread in March.

One thing he doesn't worry about is losing the kids who are already at J.P. Igloo.

"The skaters that train at the higher level are here because of coaching," Leitch said. "It's a nice facility as well. But competitive skaters take the approach that ice is ice. They would like very much to be here but, heaven forbid this place closed down, then we'd have to go someplace else."

But while the high-level skaters already at the school are staying put, Leitch concedes bringing in new talent at all levels has proved to be a challenge of late.

"I would say . . . we're probably going to be down 25 or 30 percent (in new student enrollment)," said Leitch, who is on salary as figure skating director but also gives independent private lessons for which he pays the Igloo ownership a cut of his fees. "The hard thing about that is, this is a time when we need money. When you are reorganizing, you need that money."

Leitch said parents who signed their kids up for the latest session of eight-week beginners lessons, which cost $100, call to make sure the ice rink will survive those eight weeks.

And he said many skaters who come from across the United States and around the world to train for the summer with Leitch also are calling to express reservations about the investment.

"We've got a very big reputation worldwide, so the rumor mill travels all over the world," Leitch said. "I have a girl from Ireland coming here for the summer with her mother. They are renting an apartment and a car and might stay (beyond the summer course). They want to make sure we're still going to be here."

Leitch maintains confidence the Igloo will regain its footing, but he is compelled to explain Igloo's financial difficulties which, aside from the Chapter 11 filing, include attempts at foreclosure and unpaid utility bills.

While the skating school remains fully staffed, Leitch said several part-time instructors have left the school and been replaced by veteran skating school students such as Barrett, Amanda Evora, Mark Ladwig and Daniel Raad. Leitch said using them keeps costs down while maintaining the level of training and keeping money in the building.

While Barrett is from Venice, he knows many people have sacrificed a lot to come train here.

"There's been a lot of people who have bought houses here just recently," he said. "People have come here from Mexico and everywhere to train, so it would definitely be a bummer if it closed."

Shantel Jordan's mother, Becky, said she doesn't discuss the situation with other parents or her daughter.

"I've never seen the books or anything, so it's hard for me to make a statement on it," Jordan said. "Do I worry about it? No, not really. These are rumors, and all this stuff goes on and on and on. I know there's stuff going on, but it's not bothering me."

Leitch moved to Florida with plans to retire. But after putting in all this time grooming a talented batch of up-and-comers, he has no plans to bow out now. From his office overlooking the rink where he can watch a group of young figure skaters in training, Leitch looks out at the facility and sees nothing but potential.

He knew when he started at the rink finding a market and making it in the short term would be a challenge, but he doesn't see this as one he's ready to give up on yet. While he concedes financing and reorganization is necessary, Leitch thinks the problems can be fixed for long-term survival.

"When there are no financial worries, this is the finest skating school going because of the amount of ice time we have and the facilities we have," Leitch said. "We've got a great facility, great fitness center, great coaching staff, an inline rink kids can work out in, professional fitness people, a recording studio. We've got everything, so we're all optimistic."

Douglas A. Kaid, sports writer, can be reached at 782-1209 or dkaid@HeraldToday.com