Handful of skaters turn out for competition

Although only seven skateboarders participated in a Sunday competition in Cape Girardeau, the event drew a few boys from outside the area, including an 8-year-old from near Jefferson City, Mo.

"I justed wanted to get into more competitions this year," said Jarrett Wieberg, who won second place for his age group.

His mother, Sheri Wieberg, said she read about the event on the Internet. She and her family drove to Cape Girardeau just for the competition.

"Instead of playing ball, he wanted to do this," she said.

Wieberg competed against two others in his division, while two boys skated in the 12 to 15 year old division and two others competed in the 16 and older group. Each skater had three 90-second intervals to perform as many tricks as possible.

Cape Girardeau Skate Park Association officer Josh Dannenmueller encouraged judges to score the participants on how they used the entire park, their tricks and falls.

"Every single competition I know about I enter," said Dylan Parrish, who placed first in his division. "Most of the time, most of the money goes to helping the skate parks."

Parrish, 13, of Jackson, has been skating since he was 10 years old and has traveled as far as Paducah, Ky., to compete.

"It's something safe to do," Parrish said. "I just enjoy when kids aren't out there getting into trouble, robbing stores or being violent."

The light turnout Sunday had Tim Huber, Parrish's uncle, and Dannenmueller wishing more of the community would support the skate park. Dannenmueller said the same ramps have been in the park for at least four years.

Huber said some of the boys travel to St. Louis or Farmington, Mo., to build on their skills.

"Every jump that's out there [Dylan] knows what to do," said Huber as his nephew was adding an obstacle to a ramp, increasing its difficulty. "Their progress is stalled, and there's a lot of talented skaters out here."

Dannenmueller said the association has created blueprints and suggested new ideas for the park, but funding hasn't been available.

"I think it's terrible," said Parrish of the park. "I think it could be in a better part of town, too."

Prizes for the competition were donated by Campus Scooters. In addition to a number of upcoming skate days, the association will host another competition at the Jackson skate park Aug. 14.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Fountain Street and North Street, Cape Girardeau, MO