Issue Date: 5/8/06
A Second Chance
By Jacob Karp
The realization that skating couldn't last forever and the need for a change of habits prompted him to reevaluate himself, as well as his career.
"I knew that skateboarding was just not the same for me anymore. It had become routine," Kasper said. "So much of it was so difficult and the demands that I felt were really weighing on me."
Kasper said he began questioning his faith.
"I started going back to church and searching for my faith, and what I felt like I was missing in my life," Kasper said. "It was like I had stepped out of myself and was trying to get back to who I was."
Kasper said he found the answer in Christianity.
His renewed faith also inspired him to look toward bettering himself.
"I was trying to find something else to do that could give me another chance, another career or direction," said Kasper.
The answer was school.
Kasper admitted he never saw himself coming back to school, but realized now was the time.
"Going to college had always been a dream," Kasper said.
Eleven years after graduating high school, Kasper enrolled at Palomar to begin studying toward a degree in psychology.
"To be older and come back and have the opportunity to go to school again is like a dream come true," Kasper said.
As it had been for most of his life, tennis was still in the back of Kasper's mind.
When he enrolled at Palomar, Kasper wanted to take intermediate tennis, but after talking to coach Ronnie Mancao, he decided that he wanted to play for the Comets.
Mancao said Kasper has brought a lot to the team, and his past as a professional athlete has given him an advantage.
"Josh is very talented young man," Mancao said. "His strongest asset is his mental ability, which is a carryover from his days as a professional skater."
Mancao added that his hard work is indicative of his experiences.
"He has the drive and motivation to succeed and perform," Mancao said. "He is a hard worker and knows there are no excuses."
"I knew that skateboarding was just not the same for me anymore. It had become routine," Kasper said. "So much of it was so difficult and the demands that I felt were really weighing on me."
Kasper said he began questioning his faith.
"I started going back to church and searching for my faith, and what I felt like I was missing in my life," Kasper said. "It was like I had stepped out of myself and was trying to get back to who I was."
Kasper said he found the answer in Christianity.
His renewed faith also inspired him to look toward bettering himself.
"I was trying to find something else to do that could give me another chance, another career or direction," said Kasper.
The answer was school.
Kasper admitted he never saw himself coming back to school, but realized now was the time.
"Going to college had always been a dream," Kasper said.
Eleven years after graduating high school, Kasper enrolled at Palomar to begin studying toward a degree in psychology.
"To be older and come back and have the opportunity to go to school again is like a dream come true," Kasper said.
As it had been for most of his life, tennis was still in the back of Kasper's mind.
When he enrolled at Palomar, Kasper wanted to take intermediate tennis, but after talking to coach Ronnie Mancao, he decided that he wanted to play for the Comets.
Mancao said Kasper has brought a lot to the team, and his past as a professional athlete has given him an advantage.
"Josh is very talented young man," Mancao said. "His strongest asset is his mental ability, which is a carryover from his days as a professional skater."
Mancao added that his hard work is indicative of his experiences.
"He has the drive and motivation to succeed and perform," Mancao said. "He is a hard worker and knows there are no excuses."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Anonymous
posted 6/30/06 @ 8:40 AM PST
Have to say as a skateboarder it is great to hear about josh, i d been wondering what had happened to him. Its awesome he's gone back to college and has realised you dont have to just be one person you can do a lot at one time. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 7/05/06 @ 3:25 PM PST
since josh found jesus does that mean he will have the faith to kickflip backlip el toro.
props to doin what you want and not letting anyone else rule your life. (Continued…)
taiita's brother
posted 10/04/07 @ 9:24 PM PST
Maybe instead of finding faith, he should have headed down to the nearest library and found some books on the big bang or human evolution.
"Besides, they can't ollie 20 stairs like I can anyway. (Continued…)
Shay Scott
posted 1/11/08 @ 5:08 PM PST
Where is Josh Kasper these days?
Mark Sullivan
posted 4/27/08 @ 5:30 PM PST
im a skater. im 15. ill admit i new nothing about josh until i saw the video "the storm" by osiris.. i like to now think of my self as a mini josh kasper because like him i like to do big stairs and gaps. (Continued…)
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