Bladium Amateur Sectional
Event Recap - By Ted Crandall

April 8 Denver, Colorado
The Bladium skatepark in Denver, was the location for an ASA Am circuit contest. The facility itself, which consists of an old airport hanger and outdoor skatepark, is rad. The park is outside because, inside are two full-size roller hockey rinks, a basketball court, a gym, a bar/snack shack, locker rooms, showers, an arcade and a pool table. To say the least there is always something to do. The park itself was dope with a nice start rail and steel covered ramps, making it very fast. There were two box jumps, all kinds of quarter pipes, a mini ramp with a hipped quarter, lots of bank ramps, Bauer box with ledges and rails, two spines and a couple of sub boxes. On Saturday, the morning of the contest the weather was beautiful and sunny. Skaters started showing up really early in the morning to get some practice in before everyone else showed up. Fifty-three skaters in all wandered in for the event and there was no shortage of spectators, who brought in trucks and lawn chairs to set up camp for this all day event. To start off the day, the 12 and under skaters burst onto the scene and had a blast, they came out with all kinds of energy and guts to pull some rad runs. Out of Boulder, Jake Reed got first, Tyler Hagens took second, and James Barthalomew took third. The open street comp was next and consisted of 20 skaters. These guys stepped it up against each other but one skater really pulled through to take it all, Chris Elmini. The expert competition was tough; nineteen of the most skilled skaters in Colorado came to compete. These talented skaters battled it out for 10 spots to the regionals. The expert comp was definitely an eye opener. The guys were throwing all kinds of sick grinds, airs and spins. The park made for great lines with lots of room for creativity, which the skaters took advantage of. Somewhat local skater, Alex Boyd, pulled together some sweet, smooth runs to take the gold. In second was someone you might have heard of, Luke Bender came out and took silver just beating out his brother Adam (naked boy) Bender who took third. The vert comp was small but good only two skaters from each category entered this event. All these guys really worked hard on this monstrous eleven and a half-foot ramp. Thanks to all that entered and supported this competition.

Results below...