Jessie Paez vaulted Wallenberg steps for cash... Bucky bounced.
BLOODBATH AT WALLENBERG
Even before Sunday's qualifying
had ended, an announcement was
made for a different type of contest
that anyone could compete in. No
pads, no judges, no rules, just guts
and making it were all that mattered.
46 Тельня
Years ago Mark Gonzales cleared the
four ledges at Wallenberg school and
launched himself into skate history. That
cliff has turned into an obsession for
some and a reality for few. But on this
Sunday, one hundred dollars cash was
at stake for the make. Over one hun-
dred spectators formed lines on either
side as the lemmings jumped. The blood
bath had begun. Some flopped like fish
gasping for air on a dry riverbed while
others landed it only to by the shoor G-
force of the flight. After a few dumps
and close calls, Mike Chu finally made it
with a tailtap in on the last step. The cash
was his. But skaters were still showing
and the crowd wanted more. I passed the
hat around for the spectators to up the
ante for a 180". Jesse Paez went for it.
From where he started, he would push
a quick five times and launch himself into
the abyss. Both elbows, his back and
his hip became worked to a pulp. After
smelling the dirty (continued on page 780
The body language of the crowd has
nothing to do with the look on Jesse
Pacz's face (above and right) in flight
and in victory. Bucky Lasek (far right)
dangles in front of City Hall. Look for
it in the next Powell video.