Goebel is the first skater to land a quadruple salchow in competition (1998 at the Junior Grand Prix Final) and the first skater to land three quadruple jumps in competition (two salchows and a toeloop at 1999 Skate America). He was also the first skater from the USA to land a quadruple jump in competition. He has landed quadruple loops in practice. Goebel started to skate at the age of four. The athletes he admires most are Olympic Champions Scott Hamilton and Brian Boitano as well as Michael Jordan (basketball). Goebel's most prized posession is his gold cross from Rome, Italy. Goebel withdrew from the 2004 US Championships after the Short Program. Goebel changed coaches after the 2004 NHK Trophy in November 2004.