ETSU’s skater organization will be hosting their first ever tournament, a month-long racing competition designed to be stress-free for competitors.
The competition route will be one lap, and will be located on campus. There are five categories for the race: longboards, skateboards, e-boards, roller-skates and rollerblades. The competition is open to entries from Feb. 11- March 11.
“I understand everyone’s busy,” Shred Bucs President Hunter Fromm said. “I wanted it to be all-inclusive in every regard. It’s so stress-free that it wouldn’t hurt to even try.”
To participate, competitors must have three people assist them in completing the course, as entries are submitted via video. One person must be at the start and finish line to time the race, another person must be at the mid-point to ensure the route is run correctly, and another person must follow the competitor to record the race.
Competitors also have the option of using a selfie stick or GoPro if they do not have three people to assist them. Once the lap is finished, competitors must submit a photo of themselves holding the used board or skates, a photo of the recorded time it took to complete the lap, and the video taken showing them compete.
Winners will be selected from each category and will receive separate prizes, as well as be featured on the Shred Bucs Instagram account.
Fromm hopes that Shred Bucs first racing competition will bring the ETSU community together, a goal of the organization since its beginning in October 2022.
“I would like to unite skaters as a whole in Johnson City,” Fromm said.
Aside from uniting the skating community, Fromm is also passionate that growing Shred Bucs will change the way skaters are seen; he notes that members of this group are generally branded with a bad reputation.
Fromm aims to accomplish these goals by getting the group’s name out there, and hosting a never-before-seen racing competition is step-one.
Fromm shares that Shred Bucs is more than just a group of skilled skaters, they also are willing to be experienced in teaching others.
“Anybody can join and I’m willing to teach you,” Fromm said. “If you’re willing to put in the effort, then we are, too.”
For inexperienced skaters who are considering competing, Fromm emphasizes the relaxed nature of the competition and the length of time allotted for competing. Shred Bucs is also accepting multiple entries into the tournament, in an attempt to encourage competitors to see how much they improve.
“You never know your own limits until you give them a shot,” Fromm said. “No matter what amount of skill you have… come join us, it’s worth it.”
Fromm hopes to see Shred Bucs run entirely by itself in the future, with emphasis on instilled procedures and a fun, community environment that welcomes individuals from every background and experience level.
“We are our own beacon, so let’s shine as a group,” Fromm said.
ETSU students are also welcome to access the Shred Bucs Discord via the link shared on Instagram for updates on when the group meets to skate.
For more information on the upcoming racing competition, to view the route map, or to stay connected with Shred Bucs visit their Instagram: @shred_bucs_.
All entries may be emailed to Hunter Fromm: hunter.d.fromm1@gmail.com.
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