What Happened at the US Open?
So, what really went down at the US Open? That’s what you all really want to know. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. The level of difficulty was through the roof and I can’t even follow trick names anymore. Requests comp. was beyond belief as Penske, Landes and Moir contorted their bodies into incredible forms, executing commands conveyed through some foreign language, recognizable by perhaps 30-40 people on earth. I just stood and watched in wonder and amazement.
Landes revealed an incredibly beautiful, brilliantly choreographed routine to me earlier in the week, and I didn’t even get to see it at the US Open because his ipod was at our house, he improvised first round, and the competition was fierce, end of story. Justin Dale knocked Landes out of Circle and Routine, and as a side note, Somolinos knocked Penske out of Circle finals. Then Nick slipped effortlessly into the role of MC on finals day, a job well done. After a day on the mic, Nick ruled in Rippin’ Run, and Justin Dale was going the distance with two strings of 70+ contacts.
The routine performed by Moir showed us what true showmanship is all about. Connecting with the audience, letting them participate in the routine and feel included in the fun, while demonstrating his skills with the utmost style. But first Moir established that no one out there is quite as technically diverse and creative. Literally dropping to the ground after his second round of density in Circle finals, Moir Destroyed his competition. Actually, I was off preparing for my routine during Circle Finals but I caught the end, including a phenomenal run by Somolinos, who is finishing out his tournament season very strong. Number 2 is becoming his new favorite number.
Routines were amazing and I have to say I was happy to see Penske keep his crown as US National Champion. It was super close between Penske and Somolinos, I’m just glad I wasn’t a judge. Actually, knowing both players for over ten years, I would have enjoyed seeing either of them walk away with the title. I’m sure Ken wished he was the one walking away with $500 cash, sorry Ken. Both put on dropless Routines, and I really don’t know if I personally have seen dropless routines from these guys, ever. We ended the day with an inspiring speech from Jim at the Awards Ceremony. Really, all in all I’d have to say the weekend was magic!
And it’s not over. It’s after 6 a.m. and I’m off the bed. I loved the 4 a.m. walk, and running into Kevin Crowley randomly on some strange and dark Boise street. But not too dark, due to the light of the full moon. Evan Lovely rolled into town and met us at the bar after the event was over, better late that never, as he was about to embark on an Idaho rafting adventure.
There was lots of love and some Jesus energy permeating the park, thanks to the longtime legend John Stalberger. This event wouldn’t have happened without all his hard work and the effort of so many of his friends here in the Boise community. Much appreciation to Zeb Jackson for all his hard work planning and directing, and to his brother Zak for taking care of music all weekend. The longboard from the Board Shop was won by the photographer Tim Love, and the $50 gift card from Newt and Harolds skate shop went to a 21 year old woman from Denver who was visiting family in Boise when she effortlessly won the Last Man Standing novice event. Oh yeah, Freedom Footbags helped make this happen with lots of donations and hard work, so yay to us for doing what we can to help bring great freestyle events to the players, and exposing the evolving sport of hacky sack to the greater community.
I’m just glad I got the thin layer of cloud cover I ordered in advance to keep the hot sun at bay.
Good night my friends,
More to come.
Until next time, be well.
P.S. Did I mention I’m the new U.S. Open Women’s Champion? There’s a story I’ll tell later.