Skateboarding Is A Leap For Young ContestantsPhotos/Text by SANDI FAHY
Destin Guarnieri, 12, hones his skills on the ramps prior to the start of Saturday's competition at Ross Norton Skate Park. The accomplished young skateboarder was first place winner for ages 10-12. CLEARWATER - Nearly 30 youngsters turned out for the 2-Year-Anniversary All Ages Skateboarding Contest at the Ross Norton Recreation Complex on June 30. The event was sponsored by 688 Skate Park. First place winner in the 9 and under division was Brennan Campbell. Second place went to Thomas Fisher. Brandon Lane came in third. Destin Guarnieri took first place in the ages 10-12 division, with Anthony Henderson and Austin McCahan coming in second and third, respectively. Taking honors for ages 13-15 were Eric Weingart, first place; Marlee Miller, second place; and Eddy Valentin, third place. There were no entries in the 16 and up category. There were a number of older skateboarders competing in the division for sponsored contestants, however. Patrick Daniels, 17, was awarded first place in the sponsored division. Marcus Jalabar's efforts won him second place. Christian Carlos took third place. The award for best trick by a beginner was presented to Jack Clothier for his "heel slip down six-stair set". Trevor Burke was winner of best trick performed by an advanced skateboarder. He performed the "switch 180 over a 6-set rail". Each of the winners received a skateboard and/or skate-related items from the 688 Skate Park Pro Shop. The Skate Park at the Ross Norton Recreation and Aquatic Complex is part of the 30,000 square-foot Extreme Sports Park. which boasts ramps and rails for skateboarding, in-line skating and bicycling. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced areas to accommodate participants of all levels. Skate Park hours are 8 a.m. to 8:50 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday. Bikes are permitted on Tuesday from 7 to 8:50 p.m. Gear is available for purchase or rental at the Skate Pro Shop on the premises. The Ross Norton Complex is located at 1426 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Call 462-6025 for general program information or 443-0209 to reach the Skate Pro Shop.
Patrick Daniels executes a rail slide |