What a killer day! Props go to Houston’s Cockfight Skateboards for putting on a killer event. The crowd came out to represent. The 6:00 pm start was a good call. On the eve of the Embassy crew leaving for the Oregon Trifecta. Money is at stake in the sponsored heat, Ben, Gary and Max were going for the cash. I’ve got to give little Max Peterson props for holding his own with the big guys. Max was skating in the final round, even after already claiming top honors in the 11 & under. Congrats on nailing the Allie-oop on the face wall. Skating w/ the big guys brought out the best in Max. It’s gonna be an adventure watching this little man grow up!

In the money round, Embassy had Ben “Captn Gnar, Gnar” Johnson and Gary Morris, who made the trip from Oklahoma, representing. The money round had killer action. The early favorite was Nick Parenti, with local “Boy Sensation” Jeremy Smith a close 2nd. Well someone forgot to tell that to Gary Morris. He was busting out Madonna no tail, Frontside one footed frigid airs, Airwalk to fakies. The only thing he didn’t do was go over the steps. After it was all said and done. Jeremy brought home the gold and the $500.00 cash, Nick came in 2nd with $300.00, Ben 3rd & $200.00. Gary didn’t even place. I will say a pool contest is just that, a pool contest. Skate it like a pool. That means do a trick over the steps ala the 50/50 Max did.

Judging is always subjective, but I will say they got it wrong this time. Most of the people including the skaters would agree. Nick Parenti felt so bad for Gary, he gave Gary a new deck. Kevin Lane gave Gary $40.00 out of his pocket, (Thanks Kevin) Jeremy Smith Kills it. He does Frontside Boneless that give me goosebumps. I want to be a good sport about it, but on any given day…”A trick is a trick”. Gary did some wicked stuff in that pool that’s never been done before. Nuff said about that! It’s all good!!

Overall it WAS A GOOD TIME!! Everybody seemed to enjoy it. The prizes were handcrafted wooden pools by Kevin Lane. Props to Ken Bridge and Pinks Pizza for supplying FREE pizza, free Gatorade and water to everyone.

Now it’s off to Oregon Trifecta. The crew is on the road. Follow the link and stay tuned to SKATEHOUSTON for updates. (Groovehouse is on the bus) They bombed Indian School ditch this morning in New Mexico!!! Pics to follow…

Ben “Captn Gnar Gnar” Johnson with a stylish frontside air. Ben took 3rd place.

Ben, Friday night practice sessin

Tail Slide

During his run

Charlie Johnson took 3rd place in the 11 & under

Gary Morris, Killing the big bowl!

Gary Morris

Gary in his run. His first time in Houston

One footed frontside air

Frontside Frigid Air

Frontside Nose Grab

Max Peterson, brought home the Gold in the 11 & under!! Way to go MAX!!!!

Max is STOKED!!! Another 1st Place!!!

Max and his Proud Daddy

Max, Mom & Kai, Kai took 4th place