Amanda Dobbs is a teenager from California, writes Dave Trimmer, but here in Spokane she's a senior. The 16-year-old is competing in not just one, but two Senior events. “At the senior level it is quite rare to be at the level Amanda is in both,” coach Jenni Meno says.

Healthy outlook: Dr. Edward Reisman, who works with Family Medicine Spokane, is part of Group Health's volunteer medical team at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The 51-year-old can sympathize with competitors' aches and pains -- he's a former skater himself, and took second in junior pairs at the 1976 nationals.

“I have sore knees that creak and groan, probably from absorbing too many jump landings. I have a right toe that has a bit of arthritis, probably from putting my toe pick in the ice a few too many times.”

There's a doctor rinkside during every event, but Rebecca Nappi finds the real action backstage, in a medical room packed with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers.

Police presence: Continuing her series of fan snapshots, Rebecca Nappi talks with Spokane Police Detective David Grenon, who helps guard the skaters' entrance to the ice.

Keep reading for a list of today's scheduled events.

Novice Dance Final: 10 a.m.
Junior Ladies SP: 3:45 p.m.
Junior Original Dance: 7:45 p.m.

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