10:32:42 PM |
The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia |
3/18/2024 |
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Spring Skate CompetitionOn March 21st, a Skateboarding competition was held at the Philip Wyatt Memorial Skate Park in Danville. The event was co-sponsored by the Danville Department of Parks and Recreation,
This was the second competition we had attended at the park. When we arrived cars lined the road for 100 yards approaching the park. Entering the park showed it to be a good turnout with a large crowd already in place.
During warm-ups, you could tell the hard chargers by the dirt on their shirts and pants, looking like a baseball player who had just slid home. The weather cooperated, a far cry from the freezing temps of the fall skate competition. The competition was a good one with an enthusiastic crowd. We saw several skaters and their families we recognized from the previous competition. Two of these returning skaters, Eric Crews and Michael McCurdy went on to win first place in their divisions. Listening to the excited talk of the performances, we remembered Skateboarding has a language all its own as the waiting skaters and spectators alike described the stunts or moves performed by those on the course.
In addition to the usual festivities there was a birthday celebration complete with a skateboard theme cake. Rentz Brandt (Shown wearing a red shirt and black pants) wanted to celebrate his Birthday at the Skate Park, got his wish in a big way when the competition was held on the actual day of his birthday. Rentz who has only been skateboarding for about six months went on to take second in his division. He was supported by his mother, sister and younger brother who was also in the competition. We would say that was a pretty good birthday present.
The high ramp nearly defeated several of the skaters.
As the competitors pushed the limits of gravity, there were more than a few spills. After all the skaters had taken their rounds and the semi-finals run, the trophies for first and second place were presented, by Shane and Heather Bagbey of New Earth Skateboard with Jason Bookheimer from Danville Parks and Recreation announcing. Denise Wyatt presented special shirts to the third place winners. After the expected awards were presented, Jason announced an "un-advertised" award for "Best Crash." Dakota Southard received a nice Zero deck donated by New Earth. Shane said they decided to do this as a way to lift the spirits of the skater who "crashed and burned" the worst. Although looking serious in the pictures, the idea worked and turned a bad day into a good one for Southard. Dakota's father Brian said, "It might take a while to get the smile off his face." Shane Bagbey insisted, "This is a one-time deal. We didn't announce it as we didn't want to encourage anyone to try for the best crash." Once again, it was a great event and skaters and spectators alike left happy and looking forward to the next competition. Photo Credits - Hope Wood and DSS Staff
Competition Results
12 & Under
13-17
18 & Over
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