Johnny Romano’s Rock the Cradle 2009
The 2nd Annual Rock the Cradle was a HUGE success, raising over $17,000 for the “Johnny Kicks Cancer Foundation” This year it was the last stop on the World Cup Bowl Riders Series. This is a special event in honor of Johnny Romano. The young 10 year old skater from Galveston who lost his life to cancer.
THE MASTER’s: This year we can say Bryan Pennington is BACK. A big TEXAS shout out! Smooth fast lines, Stylish high airs and a Andrecht-to-Fakie, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! Right on Bryan! 2nd in the Master’s was another Houston local Mr. Jason Espeseth, always quiet and skating w/ authority. Lester Kasai was an Embassy house guest during the week. He stayed @ Ken Fillion’s loft across the street from the park. Ken brought home 4th place. Ken joked during the ceremonies about letting Lester stay @ his house! A big shout out to Troy Chason for skating injured, he killed it for the short time he skated.
THE PRO’S: Had Brazilian sensation Pedro Barros take the prize and the cash. Pedro has been making a name for himself since he opened up a lot of people’s eye’s @ this year’s Pro-Tec Pool Party. Nolan Munroe scored a 2nd place and Tim Johnson came in 3rd.
THE LADIES: What can we say, Cara-Beth proved age wouldn’t be a factor, showing the crowd she can still take over a contest. Lyn-z finished 2nd, Mimi 3rd, and Embassy team rider Priscilla Lee 4th. The bowl in Houston is TEXAS size. It IS intimidating. Congrats to all the ladies who made the trip!
The Cradle winner was Nick Parenti once again, Nolan Munroe 2nd, and Embassy Team rider Ben Johnson taking 3rd a second year in a row. The highlight of the weekend for me, was getting to photograph a Daggers / Embassy Session in the pool with Craig Johnson and Dave Duncan. Friday night’s practice session was off the hook!! Overall it was a kick ass weekend, We got to hang with old friends and make new friends. The After party this year was held @ Mango’s. Performing was Billy Smith’s band from Dallas “Charlie Mancini”, The re-union of Ken Fillion’s & Troy Chason’s band “Contortion Session” and Skaterock Royalty “McRad”. Shout out to Chuck Treece!!! I’d report more here, but my code is “What happens in Houston after hours, STAY’s in Houston after hours.
Big EMBASSY Thanks to EVERYONE who contributed to the success of this event and fund raiser. LOOK forward to next year! Next stop, 15th annual MAKE-a-WISH November 7th.
Embassy Team Captain, Ken Fillion
Craig Johnson, TOTAL PUNK ROCK,
Captain Dagger, heated up the pool session w/ old Alva teammate Craig Johnson! KILLER SESSION
Craig Johnson, STYLE
Cradle Winners, Nick Parenti 1st, Nolan Munroe 2nd, Ben Johnson 3rd
Masters Winners, Bryan Pennington 1st, Jason Espeseth 2nd, Lester Kasai 3rd, Ken Fillion 4th
Tex and Priscilla Lee
Troy Chason, took home some $$$$$ this year!
World Cup’s, Sasha Steinhorst & Dave Duncan w/ local judges
Ken Fillion with his patented invert!!
Ken during practice!!
