Texas Skate Series 2012 – Houston, Texas
POSTED BY: Jan WelchUPLOADED ON: March 2012
Houston, Texas – As the sun began to set on the second stop of the 2012 Texas Skate Series (TSS), Fritz Peitzner impelled onlookers to a rowdy roar with the alley-oop fishbrain revert that would earn Peitzner best trick of the contest, respect, and a fistful of cash.
Earlier in the day, dozens of skaters and supporters from across the Lone Star State met up at Houston’s vert-happy downtown skatepark to catch up with old friends, register for the comp, and settle in with some of the best skaters in Texas. Heavy recent rainfall flooded organizer Will Kennedy’s original three spots, so the contest regrouped at Kennedy’s backup spots. The first round of heats got underway at a nearby ledge spot with notable Texas personalities Jason Howard, Chris Fleener, Jan Welch, Rob Zbranek, and Anthony Medina in attendance.
The level of competition stepped up impressively at the second spot—a 30 foot handicapped rail—with memorable skating by Dylan Cobb (San Antonio), Ian Freunscht (San Antonio), Scott Wells (Austin), Fritz Peitzner (Plano), and Jarrod Banning (Houston). Ground Control riders Julian Issac (Houston), and Mason Richard (Austin) also had an imposing presence with Issac lacing some of the most stylish tricks of the day and Richard dropping some of the most technical and difficult tricks of the day. GC rider William Issac was unable to compete due to injury.
After baking in the Texas sun (and hellacious Houston humidity) at the second spot, skaters and supporters made their way across town through Houston’s notoriously brutal traffic to Tom Bass Park, home of one of the most beefcake obstacles I’ve ever seen at a contest. The chest-high double-set ledge intimidated several finals-round qualifiers into their sneakers, but after a few trial royals and souls, the top skaters of the day settled into a jaw-dropping session that saw forty or more tricks executed. Applause and high fives also went out to Houston ripper Jake Hayes for being Johnny-on-the-spot with the socket set used to remove the lower handrails from the ledge and MacGyver a no-skating sign over a crack in the approach that would have caused difficulties.
Dylan Cobb earned first place with an impressive mix of technical tricks, style, and hammers. Cobb narrowly edged out Ground Control Flow Rider Mason Richard (2nd place), who awed the crowd with a massive mute 540 over the double set and a wide array of ledge tricks, including a crowd-favorite royal to true spin backside unity down the (sideways kinked) left side ledge. GC rider Julian Issac had to withdraw after taking a nasty fall on the double set. Other exceptional performances by Ian Freunscht (3rd place), Scott Wells (4th place), Fritz Peitzner (5th place), and Jarrod Banning (6th place) dazzled both the crowd and the judges.
The WRS-sanctioned contest series will continue in Austin on May 26, with additional stops in San Antonio (July), Dallas (September), and a Final Event in November at a TBA location. For additional info and to follow the events as they unfold, see texasskateseries.
Randy Edwards was there to capture some great skate shots from the day. Check them out below and check out his website at iamrandyedwards.com to see more of his photography.
Scott Wells
Chris Fleener
Dylan Cobb
Mason Richard
Ian Freunscht
Fritz Peitzner
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Get Well Soon Mason!
POSTED BY: Jan WelchUPLOADED ON: March 2012
Austin, Texas – Mason Richard hit his head this past week filming with Anthony Medina for Dag Days. He is currently still in the hospital under observation. We wish you a speedy recovery Mason!!
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In Memory of Andrey Zaytsev
POSTED BY: Jan WelchUPLOADED ON: March 2012
Moscow, Russia – The Worldwide blading community have just lost one of the most legendary shredders - Andrey Zaytsev. It happened on the night 21/22 March in Moscow, where he lived, worked and skated. Andrey have been skating most part of his life, he devoted his life to development of our culture in Russia and outside it’s borders. Our condolences go out to all his friends and family. You will be missed forever. Roll in peace, boss!
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Keaton Newsom Promo | City Never Sleeps
POSTED BY: GeoffUPLOADED ON: March 2012
Gruesome Newsom giving us a tease.
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