JW: The question came up in Las Vegas: "Should there be a separate women's division in the competitions?" The two camps of thought were' 'We have to compete with men in the job market, why not juggling, too?" and "We do not compete against men in athletic competitions, why should we in juggling?"

 

Greeley: Personally, I feel there is no reason women can't compete with men according to the rules as they are now set up. I would like to see it happen, but I have a feeling that it won't. Women need to be coaxed into competing, and a women's division would do that. By the same token I'd like to see a lot more women involved in the championships, period. If it takes a women's division to get them involved, then it's a good idea.

 

As for the second point, I think it is very possible to win the championships without big muscles.

 

JW: What about the endurance competitions, numbers and joggling? Do you think there should be separate women's division for those?

 

Greeley: My experience is that if you're willing to put in the time on it, women can do it. Those clubs are not real heavy, you know! Let me say that if I thought there was a significant interest on the part of women and that they were not competing otherwise, I'd support separate events. But I don't believe that's the case. I just don't think there are very many women who are working very hard at it.

 

JW: As championships director, do you plan to start regional competitions?

 

Greeley: I'd love to see the championships grow, particularly on a regional level. That's where the strength of the IJA lies. It's important to have more elaborate rules and standards at that level, and there would have to be some sort of training program and certification of judges.

 

There has to be more incentive for people to enter the championships as well, either monetarily or in the form of recognition. I think that these incentives are just beginning to be associated with the convention championships. In the past, people entered who didn't happen to have a job that week, but that is changing. People are realizing the competitions can be a good vehicle for them to start careers and advance careers as jugglers.

 

But one of the biggest obstacles you run into in setting up championships is lack of money. It costs a lot of money to run a championship, and the IJA doesn't have much now. So the first step is securing funds.

 

JW: HoIly, you're in the wonderful position of being an intelligent, talented, young, beautiful and in on the ground floor of all this. Do you feel that this job of championships director could be a lifetime commitment?

 

Greeley: I see myself making a lifetime commitment to the IJA in some capacity, but it may be as a member. I have an awful lot of other things going on. I'm finishing school and starting a career in management. I graduate from U. Mass in May.

 

JW: What are your immediate juggling plans for the future? Performing? Teaching?