Skateboarders show off tricks at Sunset Fest

Dozens of tweens and teens kick flipped, nose picked, hippie jumped and lip slid their way across the Lake in the Hills skate park for trophies and prizes Sunday at the second day of the 2008 Summer Sunset Festival skateboard competition.

The contest was just one activity available to festival-goers who braved the heat at the final day of the three-day farewell to summer at Sunset Park.

This year's competition boasted about 30 skateboarders who competed in age divisions for the best run, as well as best trick and best mini-ramp run for each day, said event organizer Jason Hyde.

Ryan Buss, 15, of McHenry, took top honors for the 13- to 15-year-old age division. His pair of one-minute sequences used all parts of the course: the quarter pipe, the hand rails and the stairs on the box.

For his prize, Buss won a new deck, grip tape and a trophy featuring a skateboarding figurine.

Each year, Buss, a sophomore at McHenry East High School, has improved in the standings. On is two previous attempts, Buss finished second before beating out Kyle Kelley, 14, of Lake in the Hills, Sunday. Tied for third place were Nick Sistko, 14, of Lake in the Hills and Shane Thorelius, 15, of Algonquin.

"I go wherever there is a contest," said Buss who has been skateboarding for about five years and plans to take up the sport professionally.

Buss, who was also awarded the best mini-ramp run, beat out tough competition from half a dozen other riders in his age group, including Kelley, who is also a top-ranked snowboarder.

Kelley finished third in last year's event.

"I am here basically to have fun, learn new tricks and have fun with my friends," Kelley said.

Joe Angeletos, 16, of Lake In The Hills, won the 16 and older contest ahead of Tom Popp, 19, of Bensenville and Ryan Hagen, 17, of Lake in the Hills.

On Saturday, London Davis, 11, of Huntley, scored top honors in the 10- to 12-year-old event while Ethan Seaholm, 9, of Carpentersville led all others in the 9-and-under event.