TOP SHOP 2005
by: MROD
Another weekend, another contest, another killer time.
Top Shop has grown into a much anticipated event for the 3rd Lair. Every year we look forward to this contest which pits 5 man shop/park teams against each other for the title of Top Shop. Not only does the contest bring in skateboarders from the Midwest, this year it brought shops from as far as Texas (Team Stoked) and California (Boo Boo’s). Throughout the weekend I was trapped behind the computer inputting the scores that would determine the final outcome of the event but I was still able to observe some high caliber skateboarding and of course, shenanigans. .
The weekend kicked off Friday with a full day of practice. As more and more teams rolled in we could tell we were in for a good time. During practice so many people were killing it that it was impossible to determine who would capture the first place title. The grill got fired up and the brand new mini out back was almost done. At 7pm Pushy held a quick rider’s meeting to let everyone know the schedule for the weekend. After that it was time for skateboard trivia. I took on the task of score keeper for this being that trivia is not my specialty. Munzy, Thatch, and Pushy did a good job keeping the questions up to par. Only a true skateboard trivia connoisseur could have gotten them all. In the end Jason Rothmeyer and John Muldoon (the Minneapolis Lakers) came up victorious.
Saturday was an early start for those of us working. The contest was scheduled to begin at 11am which meant we had to get in early to prepare. Riders showed up early to begin practice, the atmosphere was thick with competition. Once the runs began things became a blur. I was able to catch bangers here and there but my attention was on data entry. As I input scores I could tell the contest was going to be a battle. With Fobia going for the 3-peat and Cal Surf, Bad Boyz, Warped, and 3rd Lair working to take it away, standings changed after every heat. I think each of those 4 teams had the top standing at one point or another. By the end of the day it was 3rd Lair on top followed by Cal Surf, Bad Boyz Toys, Fobia, and Warped MB.
Saturday night was our big skatepark party and bowl jam. Things were fueled by music from The Soviettes, No Charge, and Angelic Animosity. As the night went on the stockpile of ribs was slowly depleted and the session continued to rage. People were feeling good and the party raged on into the wee hours of the morning.
Sunday was the finals. With 2 riders yet to take their runs for each team it was apparent that it was still anyone’s game. Again runs were had and standings were shuffled. As things ran down however, it became clear that the 3rd Lair crew was on and going to be tough to beat. The last runs were taken and final scores were tallied, it was going to be close.
At this point it was time for the best trick contest. I did not get to watch any of this as I was getting the final results ready for the prize ceremony. Eddie Kochendorfer (Fobia, Roots) ended up with the win doing multiple bangers including kickflip noseslide, kickflip krooks, and heelflip 5-0 on the tall barrier. That kid seriously rips. Next was the product toss which stoked out the kids that were there to spectate. Thanks to all of our sponsors who donated product for this, the kids were hyped.
The wrap up to Top Shop was the prize ceremony. As we made our way through the 23 teams I could tell that people did not know who was going to take it. As we got to the last 2 teams it was 3rd Lair and Fobia. In the end, our very own crew of young rippers held it down and beat out Fobia for the win. It was sick and they definitely deserved it. For full results of the weekend check out www.3rdlair.com, there are score sheets as well as Steve’s take on the weekend.
We Hope everyone had a great time and look forward to next year, Top Shop 2006, it should be bigger and better. On behalf of the 3rd Lair staff and management, thank you for another great contest
-Mrod
