Old School Skate Jam '01

"The first annual Old School Skate Jam was held at the Simi Valley Skatelab on Feb. 10 2001. We were supposed to go up there with Mike McGill and Alan Gelfand but, they were lagging so hard that we had to split. We arrive in Simi and decide to hit up the Taco Bell before we go to the park. Inside we see an older guy with a Dogtown sweatshirt on. I joke about how it's Paul Constineau. I used to have his board back in the day (I still have it...). We go to the Skatelab and have to wait outside until the doors open. It's about 5:00 and freezing out. We wait inside my truck. Again and again we see the Dogtowner walking around and keep joking about Paul Constineau...finally Mark Schmid yells out "Hey Paul!!" when he walks by again, and he says "What?". It was him!!!! Do I know my skate history or what. Not bad for a Pennsylvania guy. We chat with him a while amongst other notables then go in once the doors open. It was a red carpet, invite only with the armed guards to prove it. The boys really put it all into this event. Once inside, there was a giant catered area and the skate museum, which Todd had redone beautifully. So many old boards......ahhhh... We meander up to the already packed bowl to witness complete anarchy. 5-6 people dropping in at once, bodies flailing, old guys that haven't skated in 10 years mixed in with your Brian Patches and Tony Hawks, what a site. Highlights of the night would have to include, Eddie Ratigue, Dave Duncan, Duane "roll out-push people out of the way-then roll back in" Peters, Eddie Elguera, Steve "goggles" Olson, Mike Smith, Wally Inouye, and too many others to mention. Much thanks to Todd and Arab for putting on the coolest event ever. Next year make it the whole day!!! Thanks!!" Rob