The Toby Eagle Bull Classic is a skate competition that works to bring awareness to issues facing youth on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Photo from Facebook
Skate comp enters continues to grow
By Brandon Ecoffey
LCT editor PINE RIDGE— Just over a decade ago the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation played home to only a handful or skateboarders, many of whom lacked the sufficient space and concrete to hone their craft. These days, however, skateboarding culture is alive and well thanks in part to a family run skate competition that has introduced the sport to countless children throughout the Great Plains. Starting in 2002, the Toby Eagle Bull Memorial Skate Competition was started to remember and celebrate the life of Toby Ray Eagle Bull. Eagle Bull lost his life tragically in a drunk-driving accident. At the time Toby was amongst only a handful of skaters who were instrumental ushering in this current golden age of skating on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. “He was daring and skilled in his skating, you see that in our skaters today. Our ancestors spirit of perseverance runs through our young people today. Their board is their horse. Their hard work is their warrior spirit,” said Jeanne Eagle Bull, Toby’s sister. “His life and passing was a pivotal point of our community in addressing drinking and driving and seat belt safety.” Organizers of the event hope to raise awareness about issues impacting youth on the reservation and to share their experience with drunk driving to help others. Entering its 13th year of competition the Toby Eagle Bull Classic has grown in to the premier reservation based skate competition in the country and has drawn talent from all over the U.S. The current size and influence of the event however has grown from humble beginnings.
The Toby Eagle Bull Classic took place on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on July 31, 2015. Photo by Brandon Ecoffey
“For the first ten years of the contest we held the events on wooden ramps and homemade rails,” said Larry Eagle Bull Jr., brother of Toby. “Last year we had forty-eight registered skaters compete in the competition and hundreds of youth attend.” The event blossomed after the construction of the Wounded Knee Four Directions Toby Ray Eagle Bull Memorial Skate Park constructed in downtown Pine Ridge. The erection of the world class skate park, that the family had helped work to create along with others, brought a new past time to youth on the reservation. Last year’s event that was by far the largest year saw approximately 700 people attend throughout the day. “We will be giving out plenty of skateboards, skate gear, Subway cards, t-shirts, and other awesome prizes to give out,” said Larry. “We have multiple contests for all skill levels and ages and it is just a fun event that brings a ton of positivity in to the community.” The family would like to extend a special thanks to OST council members Robin Tapio, John Carlow, and Richard “Sheech” Greenwald. According to Larry Eagle Bull Jr., Greenwald, “went above and beyond” to help with this year’s competition. Other sponsors included “Wounded Knee sk8te boards, Walt and Murph, Pine Ridge Subway, Grind line sk8 parks, pro sk8ters from Levi Sk8, Cru, Oglala Sioux Tribe, IO Maxis, the means Family, Andrew from Earnie November’s, Scheel’s, Kendle Kurn from Zumies, Sioux Nation Shopping Center, Wheel/queen City motors, Pine Ridge ambulance service. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com)
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