Lockport trained ice dancing teens head internationally to compete

Jimmy Koszuta, 20, and Joci Haines, 16, have been competitive figure skaters for most of their lives.  They've only been an ice dancing pair for almost three years, but their bond is inseparable.

"They are working hard, putting in the hours day in and day out.  I've never seen them fight together," Coach Bianka Szijgyarto said about the duo.  She's been with them since they were paired together at Cornerstone Ice Arena in Lockport a few years ago.

In July, the pair competed at Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships and secured their first Junior Grand Prix.  They will compete in Austria at the end of August for Team USA.

But getting to this point, wasn't that easy.  "Both families are working really, really hard," Coach Szijgyarto said. 

Jimmy's mom works three jobs, Joci's two.  Joci also is originally from Marietta, NY, which is two hours away.  To make getting to practice possible, Joci lives with Jimmy and his family in Eden during the week and heads home on the weekends.

Here in the U.S. the pair has already made their mark, winning numerous awards.  Internationally, though, Austria will be the pair's first competition.  If you want to donate to Jimmy and Joci to help them afford their dream on the ice-- head to their gofundme page.

"Any help we can get is just amazing and we really appreciate anything," Jimmy said with Joci agreeing.

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