Midwest Melee 2006
The Midwest Melee is turning into a huge event for the Minneapolis scene. With 143 entrants, this was the biggest Melee contest we have ever had. On top of the high number of registered riders, each division had close to the same number and the skill level was out of hand. This was the second year that the contest was a 2 day event and it was definitely the right way to do it.
Friday was the practice day and began pretty mellow. By the end of the day however, the place was jam packed and out of control. There were riders of all skill levels out getting their shred on in hopes of putting together the top line.
Saturday we opened at 9am for competitor practice and set up. Of course the beginners were by far the most anxious as they would be skating first. At 11 am it was time to get the contest started. We had the beginners separated into 6 jams in which the top 2 from each heat would move on to the finals. These were 5 minute jams in which 6-7 kids skated at the same time and did their best to stick out to the judges. All the kids represented well and the parents came ready to support. I think the beginners had the most spectators of the day on Saturday.
After the beginners it was time for the intermediates. They had the same format as the beginners with 6 heats of jamming. When all was said and done we brought the top 2 intermediates from each heat to the finals.
As is tradition, the experts finished off the day. Each rider got two 1 minute runs in which their best run would count. With over 50 entrants in the expert division and the highest caliber of skating ever witnessed at the Midwest Melee, it was insane close. When it was over the top 12 made the finals.
On Sunday we had finals for all divisions. Beginners jammed, intermediates go two 1 minute runs, and experts got three one minute runs. The skating in all divisions was amazing and all who were in the finals definitely deserved to be there. Check our results page to see who placed where. We also did a best trick contest which was judged by the Bueno Skateboards team. Stacy Lowery, Shilo Greathouse, and Mark Gutterman wanted the obstacle to be our rainbow ledge atop the pyramid. This was a new spot for the best trick and worked out well. Though many bangers were handled, only one winner emerged. Nate Compher walked away with $500+ for his switch backside smith grid and switch flip bs 50-50 on the ledge, it was sick.
All in all the Midwest Melee proved to be a great weekend. I think everyone had a good time and I look forward to next year.
-Mrod
