I don't necessarily report on every bit of so-and-so turned pro news in skateboarding, but this tidbit from Zoo York struck me as interesting for a couple of reasons:

First, because Brandon Westgate is utterly deserving, and Zoo York dropping this news two weeks out from the premier of State of Mind is all the notice you need that his part in the video is going to be a banger.

And, second, because it continues to crack me up that a kid like Chaz Ortiz can win the Dew Tour, Take 3rd in Tampa Pro, and be on the list for both Maloof Money Cup and X Games without an acknowledgment from his board sponsor that he is, in fact, you know... a pro. Hell, Zoo York didn't even get around to officially welcoming him to the am team until well after he started knocking people off of pro podiums. Seems to me that not printing up some pro model Chaz Ortiz decks is like burning up a pile of free money. What gives? Time to put in some more work, Chaz!

Anyway... here's the word on Westgate today from ZY:

05.18 – May 19th, 2009- The ZOO YORK INSTITUTE graduates east coast powerhouse Brandon Westgate to the Pro Ranks. Straight from the cranberry bogs of Cape Cod with more stamps in his passport than most, world renowned and respected, he is ready for the big show. Pick up the inaugural Brandon Westgate pro-models at officially down skate shops worldwide.

ZY State of Mind in skate shops June 19th. Check zooyork.com for the low down on premiere locations.