High-flying anti-tobacco lesson a hit at Tinley Park High School

BY HANNAH KOHUT Correspondent October 5, 2011 9:44PM

Eito Yasutoko, a member of the Get Up Tour from ASA High School Tour, performs during a stop at Tinley Park High School in Tinley Park IL on Wednesday October 5, 2011. The tour which brought a state-of-the-art half-pipe along with 5 of the top, pro athletes in skateboarding, BMX and inline skating to perform a show for students used the event to speak about smoking | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

It’s not the most conventional way to discuss an anti-tobacco lifestyle — but it’s certainly a memorable one.

Professional bike and skate tricksters put on a show Wednesday for Tinley Park High School students in the school’s parking lot, all while spreading the word about the dangers of tobacco use.

Jimmy Coleman, show announcer and athlete manager for ASA Entertainment, said their goal is to gain the students’ attention.

“About 12 years ago, the Tobacco Free Campaign for Kids approached us and said they wanted to team up with us,” Coleman said. “They wanted to reach out to high school kids to talk about the dangers of tobacco, but we didn’t want to just stand there and lecture to them, and think outside the box a little bit, so they came up with this concept.”

The athletes came from as far as Japan to cut flips and spins on a giant half-pipe ramp while Coleman spoke about the effects tobacco can have on a teenager’s life.

Coleman said the campaign is no stranger to the Chicago area, but that it was their first time visiting the Southland.

“We’ve been coming to Chicago for years, but this is our first time coming to this school,” Coleman said. “We’re usually out by O’Hare and the northwest suburbs; last year we were out by Naperville.”

Tinley Park High School Assistant Principal Wendy Bumphis said she was a little hesitant when the campaign reached out to her school, but after some careful thought she decided to try something new.

“I just didn’t know quite what to expect or how consuming this contraption (ramp) was going to be,” Bumphis said. “But we just decided, ‘It’s a free program, it’s something that’s different and unconventional,’ and I’m open to try something new. It’s something fun they (students) can remember in high school.”

Senior Nick Etsse, of Tinley Park, said it was an effective way to deliver the message.

“It’s pretty cool,” Etsse said. “It sends out a good message: not smoking and doing what you want to do with your life.”

Sophomore Alex Kohs was equally impressed.

“It’s a nice day outside to get to watch some cool people do some cool bike tricks,” Kohs said. “It’s definitely more effective (than a lecture).”