Tony, Michael, Otto…these are old friends who came back to skate at FIBArk during the un-sanctioned DVS skatepark showdown. In Tony and Michael’s case, as Salida High graduates, seeing them return to Salida, and charge on their home turf made for a very special FIBArk Saturday. My son, Shea, learned from these friendly guys, just as he now helps the new eight year-olds that visit the park with their parents. The cyclical aspect of these helpful peers is vital to the sport.
One thing that makes skating so special is that the competitions are essentially big semi-organized “jams,” similar to freestyle kayaking. Everyone knows and supports each other —and even helps each other during competition.
I try to avoid highlighting my family on these hallowed pages, but my youngest son won his division. I mention this because it was in large part to his dedicated hours of solo training. I have nothing against traditional high school sports, but am so proud of Shea and others who spend hours upon hours training un-coached and unsupervised, often alone in virtually any weather. They buy their equipment and they pay for their entry fees.
It makes you wonder where basketball, football or soccer would be if those athletes spent eight to ten hours a day practicing. Ironically, I can’t recall any Salida coaches studying these skaters, or perhaps more importantly attending these local sporting spectacles? (other than Scott McFarland, who took a rat pack Salida soccer team and won state a few years ago…coincidence?). Consider, these skaters are regular supporters and attendees of football and basketball games.
Forgive me, I am aware it is a recurring theme for me. I simply think skating is amazing, and am always blown away by how well these skaters can throw and shoot balls of all kinds when asked. Yet, it’s daunting (impossible) for even the very best collegiate athlete to drop into a thirteen foot half pipe and send it six feet out the other side. It takes many years, and a lot of discipline. Moreover, it takes an ability to suffer repeated painful crashes, and walk away. There are no medics standing by when you are alone trying to launch a stair set.
So, nice work guys, maybe someday the school district will build a six-figure athletic facility on the school grounds for you as well? Some of us in the community know you deserve it.
Great shots. Thanks for sharing!