Mid-Eastern Skateboard Series

MESS #2, July 16, 1983, Pheasant Ramp, Middletown, OH

From Skate Attack #9, by Marty Jimenez (part of a MESS '83 retrospective)
Things didn't look good for MESS #2 because of the mere fact that we had no definite spot to hold it at. That was until John and Joe Downey finally convinced their parents that a contest had to take place on their ramp. The folks finally gave the OK, so we were on our way once again.

This contest by some strange coincidence was scheduled on the same day as the Kona contest, so we weren't sure if we would get a good turn out, but surprise...

Not since the early days of the G.L.S.A. has the midwest seen a bigger show of skateboarders: nearly 40 entrants in all. A lot of skaters came with little green [word omitted] so they were forced to make camp (Camp Yuk) on the Downey grounds. A total of five tents were put up. Each tent had it's own special characteristic; therefore, they received appropriate names (Very Sketchy, Homo Haven, etc.). During the night, all the tents came down at one time or another. Come contest time, excitement filled the air as the skaters competed for superiority. In the end, Bill Danforth and Batmite claimed victory for themselves in each of their prospective class. The sponsors flowed again, which made all of us skaters happy once again.


Transworld Skateboarding Magazine Sept-Oct '83, “MESS #2” by Bryan Ridgeway
With the sounds of turkeys, roosters, chix, and buzzards in the background, I soon realized why the ramp was nicknamed “The Pheasant Ramp.” The 30 or so skaters present didn't seem to be affected one bit, for the ripping on this ramp was intense. I knew this contest had the makings of a massive affair when 10 more skaters strolled in. My prediction was accurate as usual. Over 40 skaters had registered for the contest. This was by far the biggest backyard ramp contest in the area since MESS #1. The contest started at 2 p.m.

In the 2A division, first place honors were taken by Marty Richardson of Michigan. His airs and inverts paid off in the long run. Close behind (and most behinds are close) were a couple of Chrises. In second was Chris Metz and in third it was Carter.

Snagging third place honors in the 3A division was Doug Walker. Some of the tricks he pulled out of the bag were Caballerials, 3 ft. high pogos, alley oops, and the smoothest backside ollies I have ever seen. Lyle Donoho earned the second place slot with his rad combination of airs and inverts. I'm talkin' wall to wall. There was never a doubt in any of the judges minds who deserved first this day. It was the skating of Brian Beauchene that had everyone in an uproar. Brian blazes 3 ft. frontside ollies as well as his new move the “palm air.”

The sponsored division was taken by Madrid/Tracker teamrider Bill Danforth of Michigan. His combination of a smooth style, bio moves, and flawless runs make it hard for anyone to top him this day. In the second spot, Marty Jimenez blew a few minds with his frontside air switch-handed and then landed to the tail type air. Third was taken by Walker boy Brett Martin and his flailin' fakie footplants.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of the sponsors who believe in the east coast. It is so important that you keep supporting us because we have been ignored for so long. The skaters here take it upon themselves to make things happen instead of waiting on someone else to. Our contests are totally organized, judged, and run by and for the skaters. I think that the scene is a little different as well as the attitudes from Cal. See ya at MESS #3.

Results

Sponsored:
1. Bill Danforth
2. Marty Jimenez
3. Brett Martin
4. Ray Underhill
5. Jeff Kendall
6. Mike Hill
7. Bob Pribble
8. Marty Beaudoin

Unsponsored 2A:
1. Brian Beauchene
2. Lyle Donoho
3. Doug Walker
4. Paul Hugusian
5. Chip Jones
6. Joe Bowers
7. Dean Lovich
8. Jon Kulp
9. Kevin Dickmann
10. Mike Bennett
11. Britt Parrott
12. Ben ?
13. Steve Gee
14. Shawn West
15. Joe Downey

Unsponsored 1A:
1. Marty Richardson
2. Chris Metz
3. Chris Carter
4. Tom Board
5. John Wittpenn
6. Garth Schaetet
7. Mike Taber
8. Andy Rogers
9. Del Ray Fairchild
10. Bryan Ridgeway
11. Mark Sanko
12. Scott Richardson
13. Jim Downey