The Skate Hornets skateboarding club is a new organization on campus and, although it may not have a loaded events calendar, the club’s weekly skate sessions at Granite Skate Park cover the necessary field experience.

The skateboarding sessions follow the club’s weekly meetings which run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the University Union. The room in the Union varies from week to week.

George Montesdeoca, junior kinesiology major and club president, created the club at the beginning of the fall semester.

Montesdeoca said he hopes to gain sponsorships from local skate shops to help maintain funding for the club.

He said skateboarding has become a way of life for him and that skateboarding has an important history and reputation.

“Skateboarding started board sports altogether back in the ’60s and, for that reason, skateboarding has gained respect,” Montesdeoca said.

Chad Whitaker, senior international business major and club member, said the club’s two main goals are to have fun and to promote the positive aspects of skateboarding. He said these positive aspects include keeping kids active, out of drugs and out of gang activity. He said community awareness and safety is also a huge concern for those in the club.

Whitaker said a few of these goals will be highlighted in the club’s first “Skate-a-thon” on March 27, 2010.

“This will be a community-wide event to promote awareness and safety to children and young adults. This event will include a barbecue, competition, and a number of prizes and giveaways,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker said skateboarding has been an important part of his life for 22 years.

“Growing up, skateboarding was my way of staying out of trouble and away from drugs,” Whitaker said. “Now that I’m a little older, it’s proving to be an amazing way to stay in shape and keep in touch with my inner child.”

Anthony Charles, freshman mechanical engineering major and member of the club, said skateboarding has become a passion for him.

“It gives us a break from the world and allows us to feel free from the stress of school and work,” Charles said. “Skating gives me a chance to just be me.”

Charles said the club is not limited to experienced skaters. He said inexperienced skaters can learn at the skate park trips.

“Anyone can join and everyone should join. If you want to learn how to skateboard, this is the place,” Charles said. “If you want to watch skateboarding, this is the place. If you just like meeting and hanging out with cool people, this is the place. No pressure. We’re all just here to have a good time.”

Katrina Tupper can be reached at [email protected]