Some language… but the jump is amazing!

Checkout this article about the Dirksen Derby put on by Bend’s Josh Dirksen to raise money for Bend’s Tyler Eklund. – Article by Jake Price, photos by Alex Nawrocky.

Tested, ready … it’s time to board
‘The only way you’re going to win a medal is by going for it,’ says Chris Klug, who was raised in Bend and won bronze in ’02 – By Mark Morical/The Bulletin

– Photo by Tyler Orton
They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, that being the case, Cole Ortega is a strong kid. A surfing accident cost him use of his fine motor movements in one arm and could have cost him his life. But Ortega hasn’t let that accident slow him down. The Summit sophomore has since played competitive golf with one hand and is focusing on his passion for snowboarding. Central Oregon athlete asked Cole a few questions:

Central Oregon Athlete – How long have you been snowboarding?
Cole Ortega – I have been snowboarding for 8 years.

COA – What sports do you enjoy other than snowboarding?
Cole – Other than snowboarding, I enjoy playing golf and soccer.

COA – What has been your biggest snowboarding accomplishment so far?
Cole – My biggest sports accomplishment was when I won the overall title for the U.S.A.S.A National snowboard competition in 2008. I placed 10th in halfpipe, and 1st in slopestyle for an overall 1st place.

COA – What is your favorite kind of riding, park, half-pipe, powder, something else?
Cole – My favorite conditions are a sunny pow days riding with my friends but I also like a good park day.

COA – What are your goals as a snowboarder?
Cole – My goals as a snowboarder are to have fun and never take it too serious.

COA – Who are your sponsors?
Cole – My sponsors are Quiksilver, Mt.Bachelor, D-Feet Socks and Side Effect boardshop.

COA – How did the accident effect your outlook on sports and life in general?
Cole – My accident made me stronger as a person, but it had a huge impact on my sport. I couldn’t play sports for almost 6 months. Now, I don’t take anything for granted because you never know what is going to happen next in life.

COA – What advice would you give to kids who are dealing with an injury or illness, based on what you’ve learned?
Cole – I would tell them to never give up and to keep a positive attitude.

COA – What’s next for you this winter?
Cole – This winter I am looking forward to getting back to the point I was at before my accident and to have fun.

Olympic snowboarders love to train at Mt. Hood, so why doesn’t Oregon produce more Olympians of its own? – By Rachel Bachman, The Oregonian