March 20th, 1999- The Big Show- Halfpipe Finals

Ross Powers stood on stage, illegally consuming his congratulatory wine, celebrating his first ever US Open victory.  Chris Copley, who turned out to be announcing afterall shoved the mike in his face and asked, "Any words for the crowd, Ross?"

"I don't know, I guess everything was just perfect today, the weather, the pipe, I'd like to thank Stratton and everyone here." Well, I'm sure you get the point.  It's the classic hometown hero takes it all story here at the halfpipe competiton of the 1999 US Open, but here's a twist.  Not only was the riding at this year's pipe event SICK, but the weather was equally notable.  The sun shone all day, but unlike most east coast days when the sun shines, it was warm enough your hand didn't get cold when you took off your glove for beverage storage.

Of course, I can't just leave it at that, because today's riding certainly needs a little more explaination.  The women's competiton is usually a good time to go to the bathroom or grab a snack in the lodge, however today, I feel bad if you missed it.  Shannon Dunn continues to push the limits, especially today, with her Mctwists and 720's (sometimes back to back). Jennie Waara's backside 540's were as nice as any guy's, and Trish Byrnes definitley cleared the lip on all her hits.  The men were as to be expected, spectacular.  Neither Michaelchuk or Terje made it to the super finals, but the crowd seemed to get stoked enough on Powers and his back to back 900 mctwist/spin, and another local superstar, Abram Teeter, who's 10 foot airs and 720 flat spins stoked the crowd as much as free beer.

Of course after tanning all day, and watching the truly deserving Powers walk away with first place, what more could you ask for than a rap concert.   Big Punisher, Fat Joe and the Terror Squad dodged snowballs to play almsot every song in their repetiore, and break the 1 hour band time limit by a good 15 minutes.   If you still hadn't had enough, all the high society of snowboarding could be found at various parties around the hill, including the prestigious Burton party, which even Michaelchuck himself was witnessed at.  The party of the night though, belonged to the man of the day, a six kegger, backwoods, Vermont party at the home of Ross Powers. Drink beer.

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