July 1 Plano, TX
Upon arrival at Dallas-Love field, the smaller of the two airports in Dallas. I met up with Jeff Hermanek, the ASA Amateur Circuit Coordinator. We left the airport in our rental car and headed for the Marriott hotel, which was the host hotel for the event. On the way, Jeff's wonderful online directions almost got us lost, but thanks to my navigational skills we found our way to the hotel. Entering the parking lot of the hotel we were surprised to see some skaters had already arrived and were skating in the parking lot. Entrance to the hotel brought on more familiar faces. A dozen or so skaters that had qualified at recent events had already checked in. After a brief but confusing check in period and luggage distribution I met up with Mark Vanderbough, owner of Six Won Six as well as an ASA Regional Director, for a late oriental lunch. The two of us then headed to the skate park to check out the scene for the next day.

In case you've never seen Eisenbergs skate park you can check out their web site at www.Eisenbergs.com. This indoor park is enormous, with all kinds of creative ramps. They also have a nice pro shop. Tons of skaters had already shown up and were practicing for this show down. Later that evening, the park had some live bands come in and play. The music was hard-core and loud but it made for a good hang out spot. Back at the hotel the skaters swarmed into the hot tub for some relaxation after their long day of practice.

Saturday July 1st, the day of the competition, started out early with a 6:30am wake up call and lots of coffee. We arrived at the park, by 7:30 to find a line of skaters all ready to register and start practice. By 8am we opened up registration and the flood of skaters poured in to get signed up. Skaters from all over the central United States, from Colorado to Tennessee, came out to participate in this event. Fifty-seven qualified street skaters in all signed up, and practice that morning was intense. The contest would advance only the top fifteen to finals later that day. It was hot and humid and felt like at least 100 degrees but that didn't stop the rollerbladers from going off in their runs. Three heats of about 19 or so skaters took their turn at the sick street course and their chance at advancement to the finals. It took five hours to get through the preliminary rounds but the top bladers were chosen for the finals. During the finals a guest appearance by Arlo Eisenberg, Shane Skower, Rawlinson Rivera and Dominic Sagona was a great surprise to all the skaters. The show down in the finals was incredible; these skaters went off, pulling true spins to grinds, gaps to grinds, 720's, 900s and all kinds of sick tricks. The competition was intense, but in the end one man put it all together for the gold Chris Fleener out of Missouri City, TX (he got game). Saturday night back at the hotel, skaters held a celebration with pizza and coke for the competitors that advanced to the World Championships being held in Las Vegas Nevada. Congratulations to everyone that advanced and thanks to all the competitors and a special thanks to all the moms and dads that supported their kids at the events.

Results below...

* Indicates Qualified for Nationals