Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame 2005

 & Old Man Bowl Jam

First off, huge thanks to Binky Conklin for doing this years event.

Also a big thanks to Mike Rogers for helping run the contest, the guys at SPoT, Tim Ebaugh, Lloyd Gillick, Kelly Lynn.  Thanks to John McGuigan and the rest of the band members for the live entertainment.

Here's my version of the day.  

I flew in with Scott "Red" McCranels and Pat Love from West Palm Beach.  We flew Southwest, $100.00 roundtrip tickets.  Sure beats driving 5 hours each way, 24 minutes in the air, can't beat that.  Somehow we became known as the "jet setters".  I called Binky prior to taking off and he was in the area, he picked us up at the airport.  Talk about service!  The guy arranged the entire gig, sponsors, etc. and even picks us up.  Right on!  

Upon arrival we see familiar skaters from all over the state; Dan Murray and his son Andrew, Chris Baucom, Ed Womble, GBM, Dave Adams, Paul Schmitt, Kelly Lynn, Chuck Dinkins, and the list continued to grow throughout the day.  John McGuigan was there with some other rockers setting up for the gig.  It looked like we'd have a great turnout and an epic event.

The bowl was the spot; and it was being ripped to shreds already early in the day.  Notable memories were Chris Baucom, he looked like he was at home in the trough at Sensation Basin.  The west coast crew was also killing it, you could tell there was a lot of local strength.  Tullie, Fish Tako, Bangz, hittin it hard.  One young kid was killing it, Chris Lehman, 17 years old.  He looked like one of the Ramones, and skated like a madman.  Sign that kid up, he rips.  Bruce Mason was there throwing some picture perfect laybacks in the bowl.  Lloyd Gillick was throwing it down, I think he even dropped in on the high side (sorry, had to say that).  Bill McGee was there, FArce, Dan Murray, Sticker Steve.  You guys rule.

The contest was epic, for lack of a more exciting word.  The riding was fierce and aggressive.  It's a good thing they ran this thing with riders going in sequence as the practice sessions were nuts.  There were some extremely close calls, I'm surprised no one plowed into each other.

Masters: 1st Place: Bangz Boswell, 2nd Place: Jeff "Fish Tako" Valena, 3rd Place: Craig Dupree

Grand Masters: 1st Place: Chris Baucom, 2nd Place: Dave Headson, 3rd Place: Paul Schmitt

Special awards went to Robbie Weir for having the hottest girlfriend, Chuck Dinkins for worst slam, Bangzs Boswell for best skater nickname, Kelly Lynn for best board with the "Crutch", and Jim Webb got "the Jim Webb Award".

This years Hall of Fame inductees were Mitch Kaufmann, Pat Love, Dan Murray, Crystal Loges, and Phil Chiocchio.  All well deserving of being inducted this year.  Mitch was inducted by Hunter Joslin and Binky Conklin.  Mitch brought along Bob Biniak, which was very cool.  Kind of cool how even at middle age you get a thrill out of meeting one of your childhood heroes.  Dan Murray was inducted by Robbie Weir and Andrew Murray.  Phil Chiocchio was inducted by the entire Gainesville crew.  It was a very heartfelt, emotional moment.  Pat Love was inducted by myself and Scott McCranels.  I wish I had rehearsed it ahead of time.  And Crystal, well, we couldn't find her for the event.  Everyone misses you.  Perfect choices, thank you to all the HOF members who voted.

Back to the parking lot of the skatepark to hang out, yell pickup lines to the 5 girls that came to the event, and drink beer with your old buddies.  Hey, 30 years have gone by and nothing's changed!  Looking forward to next year!