Way of the Blog

Skates, check. Skate tools, check. Liquids, check. Skatepile gear, check. Orange slices, check. Hold up… orange slices? That’s right! I didn’t stutter. A skate mom has to pack a delicious and nutritious treat to keep energy levels high for the Vitamin C dance. Every crew needs one, but few are lucky enough to have a genuine “Skate Mom.”

Enter Mark Catelotti. He’s been skating since the majority of us shuffled around in huggies with scuffed knees. Mark was exposed to the scene when skating still had that “brand new” smell. Stair rides were in, savannahs hadn’t come to fruition, negative still meant unfavorable, and Daily Bread had no significance to the Catholic church. I don’t know many who would openly admit to being referred to as “Skate Mom,” but he wears that shit like a badge of honor. And he should!

Rolling has suffered in recent years. Crews are fading, companies dying, but Mark is still going strong. Don’t tell him he’s 33, cause he’ll roll off only to pull some of the most creative, technical, redunkulous, k-nar tricks you’ve seen, on things you’ve never even considered a skateable piece. I guess that’s what being well traveled and well cultured will get you; an eye for the unusual, and an extremely angry personality. In the pursuit for perfection, “Mom” has had his let downs; his fair share of rainy days. However, as I say far too often, in the wise words of Joe Dirt, “life’s a garden, dig it… gotta keep on keeping on.” And keep on he has, turning life’s frustration into magic on wheels. His return from the A is seen as a a negative thing in his eyes, but was vital for our progression. His presence makes us better skaters… better people. Skate Mom has the ability to form our eclectic crew into a family, as only a mom knows how.

-Brian White