Kurt Browning in pro-am event in Kitchener

It's just like old times.
Kurt Browning has reunited with coach Michael Jiranek, who has flown in from Edmonton, to prepare for a pro-am figure skating meet Dec. 5 in Kitchener, Ont.

It's one of five competitions this season for Browning, 32, who will also skate in the annual Stars On Ice show tour next spring. By his frenetic standards, it's a light season.

``I'm taking it year by year,'' Browning said. ``To quote Scotty Hamilton: `Never quit - just slow down.'

``I've already started to slow down. This will be one of the most free winters ever for me, in terms of time off. I plan to head to the farm (outside Caroline, Alta.) and spend some time with my mom and dad. They aren't getting any younger.''

Browning has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in the sport at which he excels. He won world championships in 1989 in Paris, 1990 in Halifax, 1991 in Munich, and 1993 in Prague, and he's won a bushel of pro titles since - the latest being the U.S. pro championship Oct. 17 in San Jose, Calif.

``The performance level is as good as it's ever been,'' he said. ``I'm a little disappointed in how much technical arsenal I have this season.

``But (choreographer) Sandra Bezic keeps handing me programs the people like. She's my secret weapon.''

They are devising a new free-skating program.

``We're developing what will be a bit like a clown character,'' Browning said. ``We're going to try to name him and keep him alive for a few years.''

Browning does not attempt more than four triple jumps in a long program now. He used to win world titles with seven or eight, but his showmanship remains superior to that of most skaters.

``And age is helping me out,'' he said. ``You build up a relationship with the audience that the younger guys don't have yet.

``They're comfortable with me. It's like meeting somebody for the third time instead of the first time, and that helps a lot.''

The Dec. 5 meet had been known as the Canadian pro championships, but that designation was scrapped after the International Skating Union relaxed its rules this season to allow Olympic-eligible skaters to enter more open pro-am events.

Opposing Browning will be Brian Orser, the 1987 world champion and Canadian champ before Browning took over, Jeff Langdon, who is No. 3 in Canada today, and British champion Steve Cousins. The organizers have invited reigning world champion Alexei Yagudin, but he has yet to confirm his participation.

The women's event will feature former Canadian champions Jose Chouinard and Liz Manley, Americans Nicole Bobek and Caryn Kadavy, and five-time Russian champion Maria Butyrskaya.

Canadian champions Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz, the world bronze medallists, headline the dance event.

Canadian champions Kristy Sargeant and Kris Wirtz are confirmed for the pairs event. Former world champions Mandy Woetzel and Ingo Steuer of Germany also are coming. Browning, who won the Canadian pro title the last three years, will have his hands full if Yagudin shows up.

``I've seen him skate twice this year and he's skating really, really well,'' Browning said. ``My collar just got tight.

``It would be easier to beat him in a truly pro event, but because this is an open event, it will be tough to beat him because we'll be using ISU rules.''

Browning just returned from a visit to his skate supplier in Edmonton.

``My new skates were not happy,'' he said. ``I think they're going through puberty.''