Bucky Lasek is the 2009 Pro-Tec Pool Party Champ, he finished ahead of Omar Hasson and Rune Glifberg, who did compete. It was rumored that Glifberg, a three-time event winner, would sit this year out due to a recent concussion. Well, Rune being the viking that he is skated anyway.

Chris Miller won the Master's division for the fifth time, and Julie Kindstrand won in the Ladies division. Stay tuned for full story and behind-the-scenes coverage. Van Doren gave me a few too many drink tickets at the after-party, I'm still shaking it off.

Pros
1. Bucky Lasek
2. Omar Hassan
3. Rune Glifberg
4. Pedro Barros
5. Bob Burnquist
6. Sergie Ventura
7. Josh Bordon
8. Josh Rodriguez

Masters
1. Chris Miller
2. Christian Hosoi
3. Nicky Guerrero
4. Steve Caballero
5. Steve Alba

Ladies
1. Julie Kindstrand
2. Lyn-Z-Adams Hawkins
3. Megan Brown

After a very long-term relationship Rune Glifberg and Etnies have parted ways. Rune had ridden for Etnies longer than anyone else on the team. According to Etnies he has left to pursue new opportunities in the "footwear world," and they wish him the best of luck.

Here's my Top 10 Skate Stories of 2008 in no particular order. It is only my personal opinion, if you disagree tell me about it. Referring to the first one, I know he won those awards for his part in a video released in 2007, it's just Transworld ran their award show pretty far into the year, whereas Thrasher picks a S.O.T.Y at the end of that year. That's why Guy is on here and MJ is not. Photo: MORINformed

1. Guy Mariano cleans up at the Transworld Awards.
2. Silas Baxter-Neal is the motha' fuckin' S.O.T.Y
3. Van Wastell and Johnny Romano pass away way too soon, RIP.
4. Anti-Hero and Girl go on tour together.
5. The Boss gives Ellington a DeathWish, as in DeathWish skateboards.
6. Arto and Flip part ways.
7. Dustin Dollin starts Piss Drunk Distribution, and Flip goes to NHS Distribution because of the "synergy."
8. Alex Olson says thanks for the section I'm going to Vans.
9. Epicly Later'd focuses on the Crail guys.
10. Rune Glifberg goes on a contest slaying spree, and Paul Rodriguez wins 100K at the Maloof.