M.A.S.S. / OLNEY MANOR CONTEST 18 AND UP

Written by Concrete Disciples Monday, 29 November 1999 16:00

The legendary East Coast Toke Team pulls a reunion of masters together for some heavy bowlriding...

Mike Mapp scorches a 5-0 in 100+ degree temps.

The flagship event of the Mid-Atlantic Skateboard Series (MASS), Olney Manor in Olney, Maryland, had been hyped for weeks leading up to it. When the temperature was forecast to be greater than 102° we knew the event was going to be Hot, Hot, Hot. What we didn't know is just how hot it really was going to be.

Bob Umbel slapping rocks.

Traditionally, this event draws out a different crowd of locals, as the bowl is one of the bigger and better ones in the area. Although the multiple age and terrain divisions of the MASS were represented and competitive, it was the 18-39 and 40 plus bowl sessions which were highlights. Various channels of the interweb had alluded to some stir in the undergrowth, and it wasn't long before we knew that some out of town folks were planning on the trip. What nobody knew was what ECTT Co -Founder Dan Heyman had up his sleeve.

Classic East, Dan "Booger" Brown sweeps it up.

In a move which entirely overshadowed the competition facet of the event, Dan had reached out, sounding the horn, and pulled together some of the East Coast's greatest legends; The East Coast Toke Team... Having origins from the late 1970's, the team became well known surrounding the original wood ramps in the Washington, DC area, and gained notoriety from Kona to the Blues of Rhode Island. After the fall of Cedar Crest in 1990, members of the ECTT took off for various parts of the country following their hearts. Occasionally, members would appear together at sessions, and it was always an epic sight. Not only was the energy level of the skateboarding increased, but the trip down Memory Lane was worthy of the best in eavesdropping.

40+ division champ, Sam Boo, pinpoint tailtap.

The boys started to roll into town late Thursday night. One by one, they trickled in from Ocean City, Baltimore, , Portland, Orlando, etc. A large group took in the GBH show in Baltimore, starting the festivities immediately. Friday saw the first actual reunion style gathering at the Skatepark. The energy level surged as friends of over 30 years gathered, some having not seen each other for nearly 20. People got used to the bowl, worked out a few lines, but quickly moved onto the more important part, the Pool Party in downtown DC. Friends, Girls, Legends, Beers, Bro's and probably a few tokes.

East Coast dudes have always had the raddest nicknames. Tim "Puker" Whistler abuses the lip.

Saturday had temperatures forecast into the low 100's, and at one point the surface of the surface of the skatepark measured 104°. That wasn't the hottest part though. As the fog lifted and the Bowl riders started to arrive at the park, a second round, one of an even more intense energy level, was starting to take shape.

Timeless style. Harry Jumonji lays it back.

The 40+ age group bowl riders was beginning as the riders themselves were pulling into the park. Comparable to the legend of Craig Johnson exhaling on his way up the stairs of the Hurricane Ramp, and dropping into a top 10 run at a Shut Up and Skate, Bob Umbel literally strapped his PD's and dropped in to one of his third place runs. The half hour bowl jam saw the likes of Allen Chaney, Mike Mapp, Bob Blair, Tim Whistler, Sam Boo, Josh Marlow, Dan Heyman, Bob Pribble, Kenny Inouye and Dan Brown to name a few. What was predicted to be a nasty snake session quickly turned into a Master's session to write home about. As each rider took their runs, they all brought some stoke to the bowl. We were even treated to some legendary ripping from the likes of Harry Jumonji.

With the literal heat in the bowl showing no reprieve, the 18-39's dropped in. Missing were some of the local heavy hitters like Scott Greene, Psycho and Brett Roper, but the energy was still intense. Tom Roszkowski was ripping until a pretty hefty slam. I'm glad I was skating in this division versus judging it. Every entrant had something for the bowl and it showed.

The way MASS scores the events, everyone after 3rd place ties for 4th. This day, between the skating and endurance, I think everyone tied for 1st. It has been a long time since that energy level has been at a session, and I think after the obvious appreciation to Butch and John Fudala for keeping MASS alive, the real gratitude goes to Dan Heyman and the tricks he pulled off.