2009 EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 | Written by Janice Aragon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY NO FEAR
APRIL 16-19, 2009
SEBASTIAN INLET, FLORIDA
THE 2009 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONS!
(Orlando, FL) – The 2009 NSSA East Coast Championships were rocking at Sebastian Inlet April 16-19. The annual championship event showcased over 400 competitors in four separate categories-the NSSA Open Championships, the NSSA Explorer Championships, the NSSA Airshow Championships and the NSSA Collegiate and High School Championships. The East Coast Championships serves as one of four Regional qualifiers for the 2009 National Championships to be held June 17-27 at Salt Creek and Lower Trestles.
SEBASTIAN DELIVERS AGAIN
The incredible tradition of good surf for the NSSA East Coast Championships at beautiful Sebastian Inlet continued on for another fantastic year. The event was blessed with solid chest to head high rippable peaks and bowls.
EVAN THOMPSON TOOK THE COVETED REGIONAL GOLD CUP.
EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
It was clear from day one that 17-year-old Evan Thompson was determined to walk away with the traditional Regional gold cup. His level was sharp and focused and in every heat he gave it all he had. As it turned out his game plan was right on target and no one really had an answer. Thompson took center stage in the much anticipated Men’s final with chief rival Evan Geiselman, Oliver Kurtz and Balaram Stack. Geiselman, just minutes before added another win to his illustrious Regional record while Stack was having the contest of his life and Kurtz intently wanted to wrap up his final amateur year with a victory. Stack, whose earlier feats were the talk of the championships, simply ran out of gas and Kurtz struggled to find the waves with high scoring potential. Thompson stuck mainly to the rights utilizing a combination of powerful carving frontside turns, floaters and aerial moves. He posted a solid 6.0 to open up the heat and then two waves later blew the final open with a 9.33 ride. A motivated Geiselman fought back and on a buzzer beater, he gave it all he had on a punchy righthander going beyond vertical on every turn. His 8.33 score threw the final result into a tiebreak but Thompson emerged as the champion on the strength of his excellent 9.33 high wave score. Thompson now secures a serious confidence boost before going into the Nationals as he mounts his campaign to become the first East Coaster to win the Open Men’s title. “I’m super stoked,” Thompson said wearing an expression of pure joy and relief. “I didn’t feel comfortable even after I got that 9. Geiselman is so capable of dropping 8’s and 9’s on any wave. Him and I have been competing together since we were Mini Groms and he came up so fast and kept passing everybody-winning every division, every year, he is so good. To win this and to beat him, it’s a great feeling for sure.” Thompson now hopes to keep the momentum going as he heads into the Nationals as one of the leading contenders while mounting a campaign to become the first East Coaster to snag the Open Men’s title. “Last year, when I got third in the Open Juniors at the Nationals-it really helped my confidence,” Thompson observed. “Every good result is always a confidence booster and I’m just trying to build on that and work really hard to get better. I think guys like Geiselman, Oliver, Fisher, Balaram are all capable of winning a title. It’s who is on their game. I’ll be out in California in early June to start training.”
EVAN GEISELMAN PUTS LUCKY NUMBER 13 IN THE BANK.
Thompson may have knocked Evan Geiselman out of the top spot in the Men’s, but the ultra-talented 15-year-old was set apart from the rest in his quest to successfully defend his Open Juniors crown. Michael Ciaramella, Dylan Kowalski and Cam Richards surfed solidly to earn a finals berth with Geiselman in the Juniors. But Geiselman was simply in another zone unleashing beyond vertical off-the-lips and smooth rail-driven cutbacks en route to adding lucky number 13 to his unparalleled Regional win record. He was in unstoppable form winning all of his heats (eight total) in the both Open Juniors and Open Men’s except the Men’s final. “It’s hard to lose on a tiebreak but you got to give it to Thompson,” Geiselman said. “He deserved it though. He really blew up on his 9.” Another record-setting performance for Geiselman at the Inlet stamps him as the East Coast favorite for the National Championships at Lowers. “It feels really good to add one more to the collection,” commented Geiselman after sealing his 13th win. “This contest is always blessed with waves. I hope to carry this over into Nationals.”
TRISTAN THOMPSON RULED THE 12 & UNDERS.
Evan Thompson wasn’t the only Thompson who was shredding at the Inlet. Younger brother Tristan put it all together winning double titles in the Open Boys and Explorer Menehuene. When asked about Tristan’s strong showing older brother Evan was pretty impressed with his performance. “I’m super stoked for Tristan,” Thompson said. “When he won his quarterfinals and went straight to the final in both divisions, I had some confidence that he had a great chance of winning. I didn’t think he was going to win both-it’s pretty tough to win multiple divisions. But he did and proved me wrong. He’s getting better a competing!” Weston Williams showed he is one of the hottest young surfers to emerge out of the Mid-Atlantic Conference taking runner-up to Thompson in both the Open Boys and Explorer Menehuene finals. He also celebrated his second straight Regional Championships with four finals appearances.
In the Women’s division, Quincy Davis foiled defending champion and Sebastian local Jasset Umbel’s quest for a second straight title. Davis took the win with young up-and-comer Emily Ruppert coming in second (Ruppert also delivered an impressive performance in the Explorer Girls division claiming her first Regional title in that division). Umbel couldn’t find her rhythm settling for third followed by Savannah Bradley in fourth. “This is my second Open win, so I’m really happy,” Davis said. “All the girls have improved from last year, so the competition was tough.” Davis is looking forward to the Nationals with the hopes of making it to the finals there. “I love going to Nationals so I hope to do well. All of the girls are so good from Hawaii and California and I’m looking forward to surfing at Trestles.”
Patrick Nichols blew up in the Open Longboard final posting an excellent 16.67 combined two-wave total. Nichols successfully defended his 2008 Open title while also taking second to Weston Williams in the Explorer Longboard.
BALARAM STACK STOLE THE SHOW!
SHOW STEALER
Balaram Stack took the contest by storm erupting with three perfect 10’s. The 17-year-old New Yorker put on a show of both masterful barrel riding and astounding aerials. He posted perfect scores in the Open Men’s semi-finals, Explorer Juniors final and the Airshow. His first tube ride came in the Open Men’s semis-a deep left cylinder which had the crowd to their feet. And as it turned out, Stack’s flawless scoring spree wasn’t over as he pulled into another miraculous Sebastian pipe and then knifed an explosive vertical turn as thunderous roars were heard from the beach-nailing another perfect score. All of a sudden the atmosphere surrounding Stack turned positively electric. As if it was almost too good to be true he paddled out in his Airshow final and launched an amazing no-grab alley-oop which was without a doubt the maneuver of the championships. Stack’s incredible display spoke volumes for the northern sector of the eastern seaboard as his performance will go down as the greatest to-date by a Northeast Conference surfer. “It’s so sick to get a 10, and to get a barrel in a heat,” Stack commented about the barrel which nailed down his victory in the Explorer Juniors. “Yesterday’s barrel in the Open Men’s semis was bigger but this one was a double up.” an overjoyed Stack said after his Juniors final. “I’ve never got a 10 before in my life before yesterday and then I get one in a final. It just can’t get any better. I’m starting to figure out contests better. This will definitely help my confidence going into the Nationals.”
QUOTABLES: Adreniline was flowing through Balaram Stack’s veins after nailing his third perfect 10 of the event in the Airshow final. “I just went out there trying to have fun and do an air. I got this set left and it had a section and I just threw it up there and luckily landed it. I don’t really do them (alley-oops) that often. When a section comes I just usually go for it. When the score was announced I thought, ‘is this really happening?’ Another 10, I’ve never got one in my life and now I have three! I’m just shocked. I’ve gotten three of the best results of my life!”
REGIONAL HERO: The NSSA congratulates Evan Geiselman for once again setting another benchmark for stellar performance and his unprecedented winning ratio in the Regional Championships.
INTERSCHOLASTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington stole the collegiate spotlight from the Florida teams this year. The UNCW squad came to the Inlet with a fully loaded arsenal on the mission to take the Regional crown. They took command with a 112-97 triumph over Florida Community College at Jacksonville. Four UNCW team members made finals including a victory by Mike Powell. In the Regional High School Championships, Satellite High School scored a 49-43 victory over Jupiter.
QUADRUPLE DUTY (four finals appearances!)
1-Balaram Stack: Open Mens, Explorer Mens, Explorer Juniors, Airshow
2-Weston Williams: Open Boys, Open Longboard, Explorer Menehuene, Explorer Longboard
TRIPLE DUTY (three finals appearances!)
1-Evan Geiselman: Open Mens, Open Juniors, Airshow
2-Quincy Davis: Open Womens, Explorer Womens, Explorer Girls
3-Emily Ruppert: Open Womens, Explorer Womens, Explorer Girls
4-Savannah Bradley: Open Womens, Explorer Womens, High School Womens
5-Daniel Glenn: Open Boys, Open Longboard, Explorer Menehuene
6-Patrick Nichols: Open Longboard, Explorer Longboard, High School Longboard
7-Tayler Brothers: Explorer Mens, Explorer Juniors, Airshow
8-Frank Roper: Explorer Mens, Explorer Juniors, High School Mens
In addition to title sponsor No Fear, the NSSA East Coast Championships is proud to have support from Nike 6.0, Huntington Surf and Sport, Surfing Magazine, WaveWatch, Sex Wax, No Fear Energy Drink and the Vero Beach Hotel and Club. The NSSA is a member of Surfing America, the ISA-recognized National Governing Body for Surfing in the United States.
The NSSA East Coast Championships is the third of seven events in the 2009 NSSA Championship Series presented by No Fear. The 2009 Championship Series events include the Interscholastic State Championships at Church March 6-8 (completed), the Hawaii Championships at Kewalo Basin, HI March 21-26 (completed); the East Coast Championships at Sebastian Inlet, FL April 16-19; the NSSA Jr. Championships at Huntington Beach Pier, CA April 18; the West Coast Championships at Huntington Beach Pier, CA May 13-17; the NSSA National Championships at Salt Creek and Lower Trestles, CA June 17-27; the Northeast High School Championships at Ocean City, NJ October 19.
THE SCOREBOARD
2009 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL RESULTS
SCORES BASED ON TOP TWO WAVES
EAST COAST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
OPEN MENS
1. Evan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL 15.83 tiebreak
2. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, Fl 15.83 tiebreak
3. Oliver Kurtz-Vero Beach, FL 12.16
4. Balaram Stack-Point Lookout, NY 7.67
OPEN JUNIORS
1. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 13.33
2. Michael Ciaramella-Cape May Court House, NJ 11.17
3. Dylan Kowalski-Wrightsville Beach, NC 11.17
4. Cam Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC 6.83
OPEN BOYS
1. Tristan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL 12.16
2. Weston Williams-Holden Beach, NC 10.50
3. Tyler Faulkner-Carolina Beach, NC 9.50
4. Daniel Glenn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 8.33
5. Logan Hayes-Vero Beach, FL 6.50
6. Stevie Pittman-Newport, NC 5.50
OPEN MINI GROMS
1. Luke Marks-Lantana, FL 12.00
2. Stevie Pittman-Newport, NC 9.84
3. Andrew Rooney-Brielle, NJ 9.00
4. Luke Gordon-Pawleys Island, SC 7.66
5. Matt Glenn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 3.50
6. Katie Gordon-Pawleys Island, SC 2.83
OPEN WOMENS
1. Quincy Davis-Montauk, NY 13.67
2. Emily Ruppert-Indialantic, FL 11.66
3. Jassett Umbel-Melbourne Beach, FL 8.33
4. Savannah Bradley-Cocoa Beach, FL 7.34
OPEN LONGBOARD
1. Patrick Nichols-Lantana, FL 16.67
2. Weston Williams-Holden Beach, NC 9.33
3. Steve McLean-Orlando, FL 7.83
4. Daniel Glenn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 6.00
5. Chelsea Gresham-St. Augustine, FL 5.34
6. Jeff Glenn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 4.17
EAST COAST EXPLORER CHAMPIONSHIPS
EXPLORER MENS
1. Nick Rupp-Shallotte, NC 13.16
2. Balaram Stack-Point Lookout, NY 12.67
3. Tayler Brothers-Osprey, FL 10.66
4. Frank Roper-Juno Beach, FL 9.83
5. Cole Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC 5.50
6. Kedren Ferrero-Indialantic, FL 3.50
EXPLORER JUNIORS
1. Balaram Stack-Point Lookout, NY 17.33
2. Evan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL 11.66
3. Frank Roper-Juno Beach, FL 10.33
4. Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC 9.83
5. Tayler Brothers-Osprey, FL 7.00
6. Peter Polanski-Indian Harbour Beach, FL 5.67
EXPLORER BOYS
1. Cam Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC 13.33
2. Pat Schmidt-Manasquan, NJ 10.83
3. Corey Howell-Melbourne, FL 10.67
4. Noah Schweizer-New Smyrna Beach, FL 9.67
5. Sam Duggan-Merritt Island, FL 8.83
6. Knox Harris-Ocean Isle Beach, NC 7.84
EXPLORER MENEHUENE
1. Tristan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL 10.84
2. Weston Williams-Holden Beach, NC 10.33
3. Mauricio Diaz-San Juan, PR 8.00
4. Logan Hayes-Vero Beach, FL 6.34
5. Justin Croteau-Hobe Sound, FL 6.00
6. Daniel Glenn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 3.17
EXPLORER WOMENS
1. Quincy Davis-Montauk, NY 10.67
2. Jassett Umbel-Melbourne Beach, FL 10.00
3. Emily Ruppert-Indialantic, FL 8.50
4. Savannah Bradley-Cocoa Beach, FL 6.33
5. Nikki Viesins-Indialantic, FL 6.17
6. Hailey Dawson-Cocoa, FL 3.17
EXPLORER GIRLS
1. Emily Ruppert-Indialantic, FL 12.67
2. Quincy Davis-Montauk, NY 10.33
3. Nikki Viesins-Indialantic, FL 8.50
4. Rossi Klein-Summerville, FL 6.66
5. Elle Klein-Summerville, FL 4.34
6. Alison Bowman-Virginia Beach, VA 1.83
EXPLORER MASTERS
1. Darlan Lopes-Orlando, FL 11.50
2. Chad Carr-Satellite Beach, FL 7.50
3. Chester Pittman-Newport, NC 7.17
4. Brian Corbitt-Jupiter, FL 7.16
5. Tim Albury-Abaco 5.84
6. Dan Conover-Juno Beach, FL 5.34
EXPLORER SENIORS
1. Brian Corbitt-Jupiter, FL 12.00
2. Daniel Sacchi-Wilmington, NC 9.16
3. Jim Tolliver-Palm Beach Gardens, FL 6.00
4. Bill Miller-Melbourne Beach, FL 5.17
5. Tim Albury-Abaco, 4.33
6. Chester Pittman-Newport, NC 3.67
EXPLORER SUPER SENIORS
1. Jim Tolliver-Palm Beach Gardens, FL 7.84
2. Sean Hayes-West Melbourne, FL 6.00
3. Jim Miller-Lantana, FL 6.00
4. Bill Miller-Melbourne Beach, FL 5.17
5. Jordan Nichols-Lantana, FL 2.00
EXPLORER LONGBOARD
1. Weston Williams-Holden Beach, NC 12.00
2. Patrick Nichols-Lantana, FL 11.17
3. Wyatt Todd-North Myrtle Beach, SC 8.17
4. Brad Rose-Carolina Beach, NC 6.50
5. Steve McLean-Orlando, FL 4.16
6. Morgan Taylor Leavel-Kittyhawk, NC 0.00
EAST COAST AIRSHOW CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. Balaram Stack-Point Lookout, NY
2. Oliver Kurtz-Vero Beach, FL
3. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL
4. Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC
=5. Tayler Brothers-Osprey, FL
David Holloway-Jacksonville Beach, FL
EAST COAST COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
COLLEGE TEAM
1. UNC-Wilmington “A” 112
2. Florida Community College Jacksonville 97
3. University of Central Florida “A” 73
4. University of North Florida “A” 56
5. Flagler 53
6. UNC-Wilmington “B” 45
7. University of Florida 40
8. University of North Florida “B” 29
9. University of Central Florida “B” 20
10. University of Central Florida “C” 10
COLLEGE MENS
1. Mike Powell-UNCW 12.00
2. Ian Tilghman-UNCW 11.34
3. Shane Murray-FCCJ 9.84
4. Billy Olsen-UNF 9.66
5. Ben Powell-UNCW 7.00
6. Austin Bungert-FCCJ 4.50
COLLEGE WOMENS
1. Amy Nicholl-UCF 13.17
2. Mallory Turner-UNF 7.00
3. Jessie Carnes-FCCJ 6.67
4. Gillian Gensler-UNF 3.50
5. Teale Beckenbach-FCCJ 3.00
6. Anne Snyder-UCF 2.00
COLLEGE LONGBOARD
1. Joe Pulido-FCCJ 12.16
2. Matt Novak-UF 9.00
3. Jake Radacz-UNF 8.83
4. Brent Newell-UCF 5.50
5. Mike Nicolini-UNF 4.17
6. Drake Courie-UNCW 3.50
EAST COAST HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
1. Satellite 49
2. Jupiter 43
HIGH SCHOOL MENS
1. Peter Polanski-Satellite 11.83
2. Tommy Orsini-Satellite 8.00
3. Frank Roper-Jupiter 7.67
4. Gavin Greenwood-Jupiter 7.50
5. Ryland Weiland-Jupiter 6.50
6. TR Clark-Satellite 6.40
HIGH SCHOOL WOMENS
1. Savannah Bradley-Satellite 9.50
2. Hailey Dawson-Satellite 4.50
3. Brett Walker-Jupiter 3.34
4. Austin Pollis-Jupiter 1.84
HIGH SCHOOL LONGBOARD
1. TR Clark-Satellite 9.84
2. Patrick Nichols-Jupiter 7.67
