Defending national champion Michael Weiss has announced his 2003-04 schedule, Grand Prix assignments and Pro-Am competitions.

Michael looks forward to a new competitive season.

Michael, a three-time U.S. Champion, will defend his title Jan. 3-11, 2004 in Atlanta. The top three men willadvance to the World Championships March 22-28 at Dortmund, Germany.

Michael’s International Skating Union’s Grand Prix events are Skate America scheduled October 22-26 at Reading, Pa., Trophee Lalique November 14-16 at Paris, France and Cup of Russia November 19-23 at Moscow. Skate America and Cup of Russia will be the competitions Michael will earn points toward competing in the Grand Prix Final scheduled for Colorado Springs, Colo., Dec. 12-14.

"The Grand Prix events this year were different," Michael said. "Nobody had any control where they went. The host country could pick its skaters so I put down Skate America as my first option. After that it was like putting your name in a hat and having the competitions drawn by the ISU."

Michael will compete in two pro-ams this season. His first competition of the season will be at the Campbell’s Figure Skating International Challenge at New York’s Madison Square Garden on October 3. It is here where he will debut his new programs. Michael will also compete at the International Figure Skating Challenge in Auburn Hills, Mich., December 5.

He is also scheduled to compete at the ABC/USFSA Spring Challenge on April 6, 2004 at Providence, Rhode Island.