April 22 Biloxi, Mississippi
Mississippi is a long name for a state but a great place to hold an ASA sectional event, like the one held at the Harrison County skatepark in Gulfport. Gulfport sits beside Biloxi and both cities are beautiful with long beaches, casinos, rides and arcades. The best city award however goes to Gulfport thanks to the skatepark. I arrived at the Gulfport/Biloxi airport, which was smaller than I had become accustom to, and grabbed a shuttle to my hotel. The Beau Rivage, which happened to be in the neighboring city of Biloxi was magnificent with seven restaurants, a dozen or so stores, salon, arcade, fitness center with spa, and a full size casino all inside. They also have a show called the Alegria Cirque Du Soleil, which consists of all kinds of amazing acts and beautiful costumes and effects. If you ever get a chance to check it out its definitely worth experiencing. The skatepark was one of the most interesting I've been to, ramps of all kinds can be found here with some that are definitely original. The park has a full on street course, a mini street course for beginners, a mini ramp, a full size vert ramp, and a concrete bowl with ledges, banks and stairs. Inside they have an arcade (this towns all about arcades), pro shop and all kinds of vending machines. The staff is super cool too. The day of the contest was one of the most perfect days I've ever seen with a temperature of around 80, no humidity, with a gentle sea breeze and not a cloud in the sky. Open Street consisted of seven rad skaters who had a blast pushing each other to excel. Only one skater victorious though, David Nalig. In Expert Street, thirteen contestants battled it out for prizes and spots to regionals. The skaters ripped on the Salomon street course to the sounds of GZA, Timberland, Whoridas, Puff Daddy and more flowin from the DJ. Only one action packed hero took the gold with his smooth style and sweet runs, Sam Craft. Expert vert was killer, the monstrous 12-foot vert ramp with 14-foot roll in and 14-foot tombstone extension made a tiring event for the 6 competitors. Du Nguyen rolled his way to victory with smooth style. Du also took second in Expert Street.

Results below...