On the freestyle side Mullen is definatly one of the best. Remember Per Welinder? He was a pioneer as well.

Growing up on the central coast of California I knew a few sponsered guys (3rd street Los Osos locals <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />). I grew up with Frank Hirata, a short mexican kid that was in Bones Brigade and is featured in the video Public Domain. My cousin John Larson almost went pro as well. He could ollie trash cans and fire hydrants all day long.

Sam Cunningham, Ross Goodman, Steve Caballero, Tommy Gurrero, Jim Thiebeud, Lance Mountain and Christian Hosoi ar e few others I've had the pleasure of watching and/or skated with......now I'm fat and old. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />