Glacier Skate Academy names new director

Sean Wirtz and Kristin Cowan, a world-class pairs figure skating duo, are expected to begin coaching skaters in Whitefish this fall.

Wirtz as been hired as the new skating director for Glacier Skate Academy. He is expected to begin in the position on Sept. 4 and as director, he will manage all the club’s programs, from Learn-to-Skate to club skate levels.

They each have impressive skating backgrounds, are passionate about the sport and equally passionate about helping each skater achieve their individual skating goals, according to a release from the Glacier Skate Academy.

Wirtz, a Canadian national champion and international competitor in both pairs and singles skating, represented Team Canada for 10 years. His most significant accomplishment came in 2006 when he won the bronze medal at Four Continents. Wirtz retired from competitive figure skating in 2007 and since then has traveled the world skating professionally.

Cowan, who plans to coach part-time for Glacier Skate Academy, began skating at the age of 5 in her hometown of Spokane, Washington. She has performed all over Europe, North America, and South America for the last decade. She has been a principal pairs skater for several companies including Holiday on Ice and Disney on Ice. With her background in shows, she has a keen eye for performance and loves to work on artistry and grace with her students, according to the academy.

For more information or to register for any of Glacier Skating Academy’s upcoming Fall programs, call (509)795-9830 or visit glacierskateacademy.org.