THE NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY NO FEAR

 

The NSSA East Coast Championships
The 2007 National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA), Championship Series presented by No Fear.

 

(Orlando, FL) – The 2007 NSSA East Coast Championships came to center stage at Sebastian Inlet April 12-15.  The annual championship event showcased over 500 competitors in four separate categories-the NSSA Open Championships, the NSSA Explorer Championships, the NSSA Airshow Championships and the NSSA Collegiate Championships.  The East Coast Championships is one of three six star qualifiers in the NSSA Regional Championship series.  Surfers from the NSSA’s three east coast conferences (Northeast, Southeast, Southeast/North) competed for allocated slots to the NSSA National Championships June 20-30 at Salt Creek and Lower Trestles. 

 

FIRST PEAK PERFECTION.  WE SCORED ON OPENING DAY! 

photo: Gresham

 

THE INLET DELIVERS:  The scenario was amazing and the timing was perfect for opening day on Thursday as a chest to shoulder high swell marched into the Inlet.  Conditions were absolutely flawless with glassy perfection with Sebastian’s "First Peak” living up to its reputation as one of the east coast’s finest high performance waves.  The competitors were going ballistic including Ian Bloch who pulled into a perfect cylinder, came out and then whacked it a couple more times to the tune of perfect 10 point scores from every judge.  Ian received a hero’s ovation from the spectators.  "I’m stoked because I wanted to start off the contest good,” said an excited Ian after the heat.  "There were some awesome right wedges today and the wave I got had a good barrel.  I just pulled in backside and wasn’t expecting to come out but I did and then got off a couple more turns.  It felt great!”  The waves stayed consistent and fun throughout the event with conditions ranging from waist to shoulder high and glassy to choppy peaks.     

 

 

THE BEST IN THE EAST!  THE 2007 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONS.

 

EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

After pursuing a major NSSA championship for the past few years, Northeast Conference standout Rob Kelly was driven to bring one home from Sebastian.  However on day one, things looked bleak for the Ocean City High School junior when he was eliminated in both the Explorer Mens and Juniors divisions.  The double shocker for the Northeast’s number one seed was a frustrating blow but the main event was coming up the next day and Rob was ready to prove himself.  He opened up the Open Men’s championship division with a victory in his first round heat.  He continued on a roll surfing solid through all of his preliminary rounds en route to the final where he matched up with Northeast mates Phillip Goold and Fisher Heverly and Southeast star and Sebastian local Blake Jones.  Kelly used smart tactics in the final by tailing Jones and it turned out to be a winning plan.  "I followed Blake because he knows the wave better than anyone,” Kelly said of his heat strategy.  "When he’d go get a right, I would paddle behind him and get the next one. Some of my best waves were the ones after Blake took and I think that’s what did it for me.”  Kelly credited Northeast Conference Director Joe Keenan with his amazing comeback victory.  "I had a really bad first day and then came back on Friday and Joe gave a long talk to me,” Kelly said.  "He made me believe that I could do it.  Losing early in the Explorer, just made me more motivated and more fired up to do good in the Open.  Joe made me believe that I could do it.”  After his stunning East Coast triumph, Rob will be on everyone’s radar at the Nationals this coming June.  Asked about his Nationals goals, Rob isn’t getting too far ahead of himself.  "I would just like to make a heat because I didn’t make a heat at Lowers last year.” 

 

CJ CONGRATULATES EVAN ON HIS RECORD ACHEIVEMENT.

 

REGIONAL MILESTONE: Evan Geiselman went on his usual Regional rampage making four finals which included victories in the Open Juniors and Explorer Boys.  Evan made a big statement with his strong Open Juniors performance in his first year in the 13-15 year old age category.  However the bigger story was his smashing of the Regional record of eight wins which was previously held by Eric Taylor.  Geiselman came into the event with seven titles needing one to tie and two for a place in NSSA history.  "I came back this year with the goal to tie the record and then I got another one to beat it so I’m stoked,” Evan said.  "The waves were really fun.  Thursday was the best Sebastian I’ve ever seen.  I live an hour and a half up the coast and don’t get down to Sebastian very much but that was for sure the best I’ve ever seen it.  I’m glad I got to beat the record and now I want to try and win another National title.”  (Evan won the Mini Grom division at the 2004 National Championships) 

 

CJ STRIKES A POSE WITH THE OPEN WOMENS FINALISTS.

 

WOMENS ACTION: In the Open Women’s division, eleven year old Quincy Davis claimed her biggest result yet in her young career taking the win over heavy favorite Amy Nicholl.  Davis, who splits her residence between Puerto Rico winters and New York summers, also successfully defended her East Coast Explorer Girls title.  The pint sized Davis was thrilled, yet humble about her giant performance.  "I was so happy to win it,” Quincy said smiling ear to ear.  "Amy surfs so well so it’s exciting for me.  I get good practice for waves like this in Montauk because it’s small there.  I’m excited to come to Nationals, I had a lot of fun last year.”  Davis leads an up and coming youth brigade in east coast Women’s surfing so the potential looks bright for strong Nationals showings in the future. 

 

THE GROMS: South Carolina’s Cam Richards was on fire in Florida. He ripped the Explorer Menehuene final to score his first NSSA championship title and then came back to seal the Open Boys victory with two good scores of 7.0 and 6.0.  In the Mini Groms, Tristan Thompson claimed his second straight East Coast title dominating the final with two good scores of 7.5 and 6.5. 

 

LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS:  Dylan Andrews took control of the Longboard action at the Inlet nailing both the Open and Explorer titles.  A beaming Andrews exclaimed, "It’s an amazing feeling to win my first NSSA Championship titles.  There was a lot of tough competition with Michael Wood and a few other incredible longboarders.  I knew I had to be patient and wait for the good ones to come through.  In the Open final, I think the clincher was a set wave off of first peak that set up perfectly all the way through.”  Dylan’s "clincher” was a good right where he linked an extended hang ten on the outside to a drop knee turn and then finished it off with a five on the inside section.  The judges rewarded the ride with a 7.0 score which secured the win. 

 

COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: The College of Charleston surf team made their mark on east coast collegiate surfing nailing an impressive victory in the East Coast Collegiate Championships.  In their first appearance at the championships, the College of Charleston team took an early lead and never looked back.  Defending champs Daytona Beach made a valiant effort down the stretch to close the points’ gap but the Charleston team stayed focused and solid finals performances by teammates Anthony Osment, Albert Singleton and David Rodman clinched the gold.

 

QUADRUPLE DUTY (four finals appearances!)

1-Evan Geiselman: Open Juniors, Explorer Juniors, Explorer Boys, Airshow

 

TRIPLE DUTY

1-Cody Thompson: Explorer Mens, Explorer Juniors, Airshow

2-Fisher Heverly: Open Mens, Explorer Juniors, Airshow

3-Nick Rupp: Open Juniors, Explorer Juniors, Explorer Boys

4-Quincy Davis: Open Womens, Explorer Womens, Explorer Girls

 

SPECIAL THANKS: THE GOODS SURF AND SKATE FOR HOSTING THE 2007 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARDS.  CJ HOBGOOD FOR JOINING THE CELEBRATION AND PRESENTING THE TROPHIES TO THE EAST COAST OPEN FINALISTS.                           

 

2007 NSSA CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSORS: NO FEAR, BODY GLOVE, FREESTYLE, NIKE 6.0, SURFING MAGAZINE, HUNTINGTON SURF AND SPORT, SEX WAX, SURFLINE.

 

ROB KELLY BRINGS THE OPEN MENS GOLD BACK TO THE NORTHEAST.

photo: Guthrie

 

THE SCOREBOARD

2007 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL RESULTS

SCORES BASED ON TOP TWO WAVES

 

EAST COAST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

OPEN MENS

1.       Rob Kelly-Ocean City, NJ  12.0

2.       Philip Goold-Virginia Beach, VA  10.5

3.       Blake Jones-Melbourne Beach, FL  9.5

4.       Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC  9.0

 

OPEN JUNIORS

1.       Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL  15.0

2.       Evan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL  11.5

3.       Nick Rupp-Shallotte, NC  9.0

4.       Cole Richards-Murrells Inlet, NC  8.5

5.       Hector Santa Maria-Puerto Rico 5.0

6.       Kedren Ferrero-Indialantic, FL  3.25

 

OPEN BOYS

1.       Cam Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC  13.0

2.       Tristan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL  10.5

3.       Noah Schweizer-New Smyrna Beach, FL  9.0 tiebreak

4.       Julian Payne-Kitty Hawk, NC 9.0 tiebreak

5.       Corey Howell-Wilmington, NC  7.5

6.       Pat Schmidt-Brielle, NJ 7.0

 

OPEN MINI GROMS

1.       Tristan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach  14.0

2.       Luke Marks-Lantana, FL  8.0

3.       Justin Croteau-Juno Beach  7.5

4.       Jake Fairly-Fort Walton Beach, FL  7.0

5.       Logan Hayes-Vero Beach, FL  6.5

6.       Weston Williams-Holden Beach, NC  4.5

 

OPEN WOMENS

1.       Quincy Davis-Montauk, NY  11.5

2.       Amy Nicholl-New Smyrna Beach, FL  9.5

3.       Jassett Umbel-Melbourne Beach, FL  7.5

4.       Keenan Lineback-Conway, NC 7.0

 

OPEN LONGBOARD

1.       Dylan Andrews-Callahan, FL 11.5

2.       Michael Wood-Cocoa Beach, FL  10.5

3.       Michael Agnew-Virginia Beach, VA 6.0

4.       Michael Ciaramella-Stone Harbor, NJ  5.5

5.       Nick Gregory-Jacksonville, FL 5.0

6.       Chelsea Gresham-St Augustine, FL 3.0

 

EAST COAST EXPLORER CHAMPIONSHIPS

EXPLORER MENS

1. Cody Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL  14.5
2. Sean Poynter-Fernandina Beach, FL  11.0
3. Josh Wilson-Cape Canaveral, FL  10.5
4. Michael Dunphy-Virginia Beach, VA  7.5
5. Ben Graeff-Birchrunville, PA  7.0
6. Sebastian Moreno-Melbourne Beach, FL  6.5

EXPLORER JUNIORS

1. Cody Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL  15.5
2. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL  11.5
3. Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC  11.0
4. Oliver Kurtz-Vero Beach, FL  9.0
5. Nick Rupp-Shallotte, NC  8.5
6. Ian Bloch-Margate City, NJ  5.5

EXPLORER BOYS

1. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL  12.0
2. Evan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL  10.5
3. Nick Rupp-Shallotte, NC  8.0
4. Christian Miller-Lantana, FL  7.0
5. Hector Santa Maria-Puerto Rico  6.5
6. Frank Roper-Juno Beach, FL  5.5

EXPLORER MENEHUENE

1. Cam Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC  12.00
2. Tanner Strohmenger-Deerfield Beach, FL  9.83
3. Julian Payne-Kitty Hawk, NC  8.33
4. Patrick Nichols-Lantana, FL  6.50
5. Pat Schmidt-Brielle, NJ  3.66
6. Josh Motes-Atlantic Beach, FL  3.50

EXPLORER WOMENS

1. Amy Nicholl-New Smyrna Beach, FL  13.0
2. Quincy Davis-Montauk, NY  9.0
3. Savannah Bradley-Cocoa Beach, FL  8.5
4. Ariel Engstrom-Montauk, NY  8.0
5. Alexis Engstrom-Montauk, NY  7.0
6. Lauren McLean-Cocoa Beach, FL  6.5

EXPLORER GIRLS

1. Quincy Davis-Montauk, NY  13.67
2. Jassett Umbel-Melbourne Beach, FL  11.67
3. Keenan Lineback-Conway, NC  11.00
4. Savannah Bradley-Cocoa Beach, FL  9.17
5. Kayla Durden-Jacksonville Beach, FL  7.84
6. Haley Watson-Flagler Beach, FL  6.84

EXPLORER MASTERS

1. Josh Wilson-Cape Canaveral, FL  14.5
2. Jason Motes-Atlantic Beach  11.5
3. Chilly Willy-  7.5
4. Darlan Lopes-Orlando, FL  7.0
5. Lyn Meyers-Lake Park, FL  6.0
6. Dan Conover-Palm Beach Gardens, FL  5.5

EXPLORER SENIORS

1. Sean Hayes-West Melbourne, FL 11.0
2. William McCardell-Melbourne Beach, FL  10.5
3. Kevin Moon-Satellite Beach, FL  8.0
4. Rob Persan-Orlando, FL  7.5
5. Andrew Bloom-Satellite Beach, FL  7.0
6. Tim Albury-Abaco  5.5

EXPLORER SUPER SENIORS

1. Steve Moldenhauer-Indialantic, FL  9.83
2. Jim Miller-Lantana, FL  8.34
3. Sean Hayes-West Melbourne, FL  7.00
4. Bill Miller-Melbourne Beach, FL  6.33
5. Kent Morris-Rockledge, FL  6.00
6. Gary Magee-Destin, FL  5.00

EXPLORER LONGBOARD

1. Dylan Andrews-Callahan, FL  11.00
2. Michael Wood-Cocoa Beach, FL  10.33
3. Steve Moldenhauer-Indialantic, FL  9.83
4. William McCardell-Melbourne Beach, FL 8.33
5. Craig Gulam-Jupiter, FL  6.67
6. Jason Motes-Atlantic Beach, FL  6.33

EAST COAST AIRSHOW CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. Blake Jones-Melbourne Beach, FL  3.0
2. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL  2.5

=3. Cody Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL (no airs completed)

=3. Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC (no airs completed)

=3. Michael Dunphy-Virginia Beach, VA (no airs completed)

=3. Tayler Brothers-Osprey, FL (no airs completed)

 

EAST COAST COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

COLLEGE TEAM

1.       College of Charleston  89

2.       Daytona Beach Community College  80

3.       University of North Florida  63

4.       University of Central Florida "A”  60

5.       University of Florida  44

6.       Florida Atlantic University  33

7.       Florida State University  32

8.       University of Central Florida "B”  26

 

COLLEGE MENS

1. Anthony Osment-College of Charleston 13.00
2. John Lewis-Daytona Beach 10.34
3. Erich Hauck-Daytona Beach  9.83
4. Albert Singleton-College of Charleston  8.16
5. David Rodman-College of Charleston  6.16
6. Matt Dawson-UNF  6.00

COLLEGE WOMENS

1.       Courtney Andren-UF  6.84

2.       Lauren McLean-UCF  6.00 tiebreak

3.       Theresa Urban-UF  6.00 tiebreak

4.       Sarah Malone-Daytona Beach  4.17

5.       Anne Mailhot-Daytona Beach  3.16

6.       Amanda Mattair-FAU  3.00

 

COLLEGE LONGBOARD

1. Chad Doyle-Daytona Beach  13.5
2. Joe Pulido-UNF  10.5
3. Todd Kinsey-UF  7.5
4. Dean Jackson-College of Charleston  6.5
5. Brent Newell-UCF "A”  6.0
6. Michael Paul Irwin-FAU  5.5

 

For all inquiries regarding the 2006 NSSA East Coast Championships, please email NSSA Executive Director Janice Aragon at jaragon@nssa.org.