By Staff
Skatepark’s first competition
goes off without a hitch
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
It didn’t rain on this parade of skateboarders, at least not long enough to ruin some healthy competition.
The Patrick Cochran Memorial Skatepark held its first skateboard contest Saturday beneath cloudy skies. Rain halted competition for about 45 minutes Saturday morning, but a little community ingenuity helped keep the contest going.
Patrick’s mother, Cindy Cochran, was on-hand to witness the resourcefulness of the skaters.
After the skatepark was dried off, competition continued in earnest. The biggest spectacle was put on during the advanced street competition. Will Preslar, Patrick’s best friend and organizer of the event, won the contest on sheer grit and determination. Before the competition, he shrugged off any nerves, making his goal for the event clear.
Preslar put together the event with help from his friends, Doug Edwards and Tyler Kelley. Edwards was grateful for the competition’s sponsors, many of which were local businesses from Washington and Greenville.
The intermediate street event, held before rainfall, also saw some heated competition. Joseph Weaver won the event, but admitted, “I’ve been doing bad today.”
During the street circuits, individual skaters were given 45 seconds to perform whatever run of tricks they desired. The competition also featured jam sessions, highlighted by the bowl jam session.
Preslar, Edwards and Kelley all helped judge the various contests. They were joined as judges by other friends and skaters. Preslar said it wasn’t hard to convince his buddies to help judge.
Reality Productions of Washington also did something very cool and noble for the event. The production company set up the stage and sound system for the competition, which featured live music by Ironside, Line in March and Lonnie Walker.
The event also featured a PCM Skatepark merchandise booth, with all proceeds from sales going to the park. Proceeds were also made from entry fees in to the event’s five competition categories: beginner street, intermediate street, advanced street, best trick and advanced bowl.
Cochran was encouraged by the turnout, considering the circumstances.
Preslar just looks forward to the next event.