The Journal

Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Jamie Ford Professor Keith Welsh practices figure skating at Brentwood Ice Arena Feb. 19. Not only is Welsh training for an upcoming performance, he also has written two essays about Thai erotic literature.

Keith Welsh figure skates.


This associate professor of interdisciplinary studies also gardens, studies languages and teaches water aerobics and water Pilates at the South St. Louis YMCA.


"He is not a couch potato," said Joyce Bork, biology department chairwoman and a friend of Welsh's. "He likes keeping busy and he has a very active mind."


Welsh became interested in figure skating after attending the 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. He said he skated as a kid on a nearby pond, but didn't train formally until recently. He now trains four to five times a week at the Brentwood Ice Arena.


"I started skating lessons and it really clicked," Welsh said. "Just to skate is fun."


Welsh has moved through five basic levels since he began skating - something his coach said is remarkable for an adult, especially one with a disability that could hinder performance.


Welsh has three damaged disks in his lower back. He had a neurostimulator implanted in his lower back to help alleviate the pain. The neurostimulator works to stop pain messages from reaching the brain. Welsh said he feels a tingling sensation in his leg and the motion of skating helps him forget the pain. When Welsh skates, he turns the stimulator off or switches it to a lower level because it numbs his leg when it is on.


Tammy Bumgarner, Welsh's skate coach, said Welsh began ice skating as a fluke. However, she encouraged him when he decided to take skating lessons.


"There's no reason to waste desire and ability," Bumgarner said. "From where he started to where he is today, it's amazing. I don't think Keith realizes the phenomenal progress he's made."


Bumgarner said students and parents have requested Welsh teach lessons.


"He has groupies," Bumgarner said.


Welsh is currently in the freestyle preliminary skill level. The standards, according to the U.S. Figure Skating Web site, include being able to perform different jumps, different spins and footwork/dance sequences. The level establishes a foundation for skaters to build their skills and decide whether to pursue the sport recreationally or competitively.

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