PATCH POLL: Dancing With These Geneva Stars Will Be Tough to Handicap

As you may or may not have noticed, there's a little Geneva Patch connection in the contestants for the .

So I've got a lot of folks to root for, and it seems to me the competition is very evenly matched.

Here's my ESPN-like analysis, based on zero factual information or research, published originally on Patch way back in October. My analysis has changed a bit since then.

and Derek Swanson

• Strengths: This team has to be considered at the top of the list to take the mirror-ball trophy—or whatever the prize looks like. Laura is poetry in motion during Geneva's festivals and has college dance experience. Derek is, in my humble opinion, the most elusive runningback in history. Look for lifts and fancy footwork from this pair.
• Biggest challenge: They're not married, although their spouses are OK with that. Married couples always win.

andOlson

• Strengths: The Bales-Olson combo has been an effective one-two punch in Geneva for many years. What some folks might not know is Steve's local theater involvement and background. Look for some heat from Geneva's fire chief as well has his theater performance skills. Communication is key to dance, and Beth is both a and communications specialist.
• Biggest challenge: Height. Steve's much taller than Beth. It works out because Beth is prettier than Steve.

and Kari Bartel

• Strengths: Eric is an orthopedic surgeon at  in Geneva and the team physician for the , which means he can bend his spine in ways that humans can't comprehend, and he knows how to win. Kari is a member of the  board of trustees, which is my religious alma mater and so gets big points with the Guy Upstairs.
• Biggest challenge: Scheduling

Mike and Heidi Jacoby

• Strenghts: Probably a lot of folks know the Jacoby duo as educators. But we also know from the annual that these two can really, really sing. We're saying the Jacobys innate rhythm and musical skills make them among the frontrunners of this year's Dancin' stars.
• Biggest challenge: We know Mike is very good with numbers, but can the executive director of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials and former superintendent master 1-2-3, 1-2-3?

Art and Connie Wagner

• Strengths: Art is the operations manager for Brand Industries, and a member of the , so he knows how to dress in uniform. Connie is a school nurse for the Geneva School District and a former chairperson of the which means she's a healer and a competitor.
• Biggest challenge: None. They are perfect, just as they are.

Jim Radecki and Maureen Emma-Radecki

• Strengths: Jim is vice president for in the Auto Claims Division. He served two years on the Plan Commission and two terms as an alderman for the city of Geneva, which means he knows how to take a punch. His wife, Maureen Emma, owns her own association management company and works with multiple dental organizations. Born and raised in Geneva, she has volunteered in many capacities for Geneva schools, St. Peter Women's club, the , and the . 
• Biggest challenge: Being a former alderman

I think the online voting at Genevadowntown.org might be over, as this is re-published on the day of the event. Here's a link.