2021 Midwest Region Tournament Guide
N3 Boatworks
Holy Toledo! N-3 Boatworks has a new Nautique 200 tournament water ski boat on display at their store. N-3 Boatworks has been advertising an "in house" boat show this week as a result of the cancelled Indiana Boat, Sport & Travel Show which usually occurs about this time in February. They also have some soft goods in their equipment section. Stop by and say hello.
Holy Toledo! N-3 Boatworks has a new Nautique 200 tournament water ski boat on display at their store. N-3 Boatworks has been advertising an "in house" boat show this week as a result of the cancelled Indiana Boat, Sport & Travel Show which usually occurs about this time in February. They also have some soft goods in their equipment section. Stop by and say hello.
2021 IWSA Membership Drive
Dear Water Skier Enthusiast,
Plagiarizing from President Kennedy..."Ask not what your water ski organization can do for you, ask what you can do for your Indiana Water Ski Association."
The Indiana Water Ski Association needs you and your family as members! We usually receive our renewals and membership fees for the next year at the annual Fall banquet. Since we did not have the banquet in 2020, we missed the opportunity to start filling our membership rolls for 2021.
We need your membership to help fund the various projects that IWSA supports. We hope you follow IWSA on our website at IndianaWaterSki.org, Facebook, and Instagram. IWSA also sponsors and helps fund the annual Indiana State Water Ski Championships each year. (Timberlake in Mt. Vernon is this year's site) Be reminded that participants in the Indiana Water Ski Championships and recipients of Barb Miller Scholarships must be members of IWSA.
IWSA also promotes additional water ski activities around the state of Indiana including but not limited to the Monday Night Ski League series, the RHI Disabled water ski event, sanctioned tournaments, water ski clinics, etc.
IWSA needs your membership support. A mailing is out today! Forms are also available online at http://www.indianawaterski.org/join-iwsa.html
PayPal method for payment is also available with directions at the bottom of the form.
Ski You Soon!
Prissy Edwards - Membership Chair Person - IWSA - 765-610-7552
Dear Water Skier Enthusiast,
Plagiarizing from President Kennedy..."Ask not what your water ski organization can do for you, ask what you can do for your Indiana Water Ski Association."
The Indiana Water Ski Association needs you and your family as members! We usually receive our renewals and membership fees for the next year at the annual Fall banquet. Since we did not have the banquet in 2020, we missed the opportunity to start filling our membership rolls for 2021.
We need your membership to help fund the various projects that IWSA supports. We hope you follow IWSA on our website at IndianaWaterSki.org, Facebook, and Instagram. IWSA also sponsors and helps fund the annual Indiana State Water Ski Championships each year. (Timberlake in Mt. Vernon is this year's site) Be reminded that participants in the Indiana Water Ski Championships and recipients of Barb Miller Scholarships must be members of IWSA.
IWSA also promotes additional water ski activities around the state of Indiana including but not limited to the Monday Night Ski League series, the RHI Disabled water ski event, sanctioned tournaments, water ski clinics, etc.
IWSA needs your membership support. A mailing is out today! Forms are also available online at http://www.indianawaterski.org/join-iwsa.html
PayPal method for payment is also available with directions at the bottom of the form.
Ski You Soon!
Prissy Edwards - Membership Chair Person - IWSA - 765-610-7552
Pro Wake Event
This time of year, the Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show is usually in session for Indiana residents to dream about coming spring and water related activities. Due to Covid 19, this year's event was cancelled. Pro Wake Watersports located in Noblesville stepped in on Sunday to help fill the void. They advertised an open house event featuring the unveiling of racing fame Tony Stewart's new Supra wake surfing boat. It was almost like old times as there were numerous boats, other vendors, a beer bar, and a food truck! The event was permitted ahead of time by the Board of Health and building occupancy was limited. Everyone was masked and attempted to keep social distancing. Dan Reed, a Tony Stewart fan, along with many others got Tony's autograph, as well as his girlfriend, Leah Pruett, a NHRA Top Fuel dragster driver, on related materials. Do also be reminded that N-3 Boatworks is also advertising an "In House Boat Show" this week at their showroom located at 7001 Hawthorn Park Drive, Indianapolis.
This time of year, the Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show is usually in session for Indiana residents to dream about coming spring and water related activities. Due to Covid 19, this year's event was cancelled. Pro Wake Watersports located in Noblesville stepped in on Sunday to help fill the void. They advertised an open house event featuring the unveiling of racing fame Tony Stewart's new Supra wake surfing boat. It was almost like old times as there were numerous boats, other vendors, a beer bar, and a food truck! The event was permitted ahead of time by the Board of Health and building occupancy was limited. Everyone was masked and attempted to keep social distancing. Dan Reed, a Tony Stewart fan, along with many others got Tony's autograph, as well as his girlfriend, Leah Pruett, a NHRA Top Fuel dragster driver, on related materials. Do also be reminded that N-3 Boatworks is also advertising an "In House Boat Show" this week at their showroom located at 7001 Hawthorn Park Drive, Indianapolis.
Skier Recognition Casey Contos
This week we're shining the spotlight on IWSA member Casey Contos. At age 37, Casey has 30 years of competitive water skiing under his belt. Casey trains at Emerald Lake with his father, Kim. Casey is known as a slalom specialist, but also competed in some tricks and jump in his youth, with the first of his numerous Indiana state records being in Boys 1 Overall. That record stood for many years. Casey had the privilege of representing Indiana as a member of Midwest Junior Development Team. He also competed in the prestigious Junior US Team Trials, and Junior US Open. Casey didn't hang up the trick and jump skis until after his 4 years as a collegiate skier at the University of Alabama, where he was an All Star, and helped the Crimson tide to top four finishes at Collegiate Nationals each year.
Casey has four National slalom titles, two each in Men 1, and Men 2, on his resume. He is the current Indiana State Men 2 Slalom Record Holder, as well as the Midwest Regional Championships Tournament Men 2 Slalom Record Holder. August 2018, following the Nationals, Casey "graduated" into the Men 3 division, which made him eligible for the Big Dawg head-to-head cash prize slalom series. A last minute decision to travel to Colorado for the series final qualifying event of the year, after only a couple of practice sets at 34, proved worthwhile. He advanced far enough to earn a spot in the series finals that September in Michigan. It was in the head-to-head round during the Michigan finals that Casey skied a, at the time, PB of 5 at 39 off, before taking a "bell ringer" of a crash going to 6 ball! Casey was hungry for more of the head-to-head formats! In 2019, Casey and his dad, Kim, became the first father and son to complete together in the same Big Dawg events, the qualifier in California, and the finals in West Palm Beach. The finals were held in conjunction with the US Nationals in 2019. Casey chose at Nationals to compete in the elite Masters Men division instead of his Men 3 age division. He earned a podium finish in this tough event.
While electing not to travel in 2020 to regionals or nationals, Casey did travel to Lake 38 in Florida last September to ski in the inaugural 55k W.E.S.T. cash prize head-to-head.. Casey earned the number 3 seed for the head-to-head rounds, following scores of 1 1/2 at 41' in both qualifying rounds! Unfortunately a mistake in his first head-to-head bracket cost him a payout. That's all the motivation Casey needs going into 2021 to reach new goals! The current US 2021 ski year ranking has Casey sitting at number 1 in Men 3, and 7th on the Masters Men slalom list. The latest World Water Skiers weekly ranking list shows Casey at number 3 in the world for 35+ Men Slalom.
Casey enjoys giving back to the sport by coaching young skiers in Indiana's annual Junior Development Clinic. He is also an assistant slalom judge, and newly elected member of the IWSA Board of Directors. Casey lives in Anderson with his wife, Jen, son, Bennett, and daughters Bella, Elle, and Sophia.
This week we're shining the spotlight on IWSA member Casey Contos. At age 37, Casey has 30 years of competitive water skiing under his belt. Casey trains at Emerald Lake with his father, Kim. Casey is known as a slalom specialist, but also competed in some tricks and jump in his youth, with the first of his numerous Indiana state records being in Boys 1 Overall. That record stood for many years. Casey had the privilege of representing Indiana as a member of Midwest Junior Development Team. He also competed in the prestigious Junior US Team Trials, and Junior US Open. Casey didn't hang up the trick and jump skis until after his 4 years as a collegiate skier at the University of Alabama, where he was an All Star, and helped the Crimson tide to top four finishes at Collegiate Nationals each year.
Casey has four National slalom titles, two each in Men 1, and Men 2, on his resume. He is the current Indiana State Men 2 Slalom Record Holder, as well as the Midwest Regional Championships Tournament Men 2 Slalom Record Holder. August 2018, following the Nationals, Casey "graduated" into the Men 3 division, which made him eligible for the Big Dawg head-to-head cash prize slalom series. A last minute decision to travel to Colorado for the series final qualifying event of the year, after only a couple of practice sets at 34, proved worthwhile. He advanced far enough to earn a spot in the series finals that September in Michigan. It was in the head-to-head round during the Michigan finals that Casey skied a, at the time, PB of 5 at 39 off, before taking a "bell ringer" of a crash going to 6 ball! Casey was hungry for more of the head-to-head formats! In 2019, Casey and his dad, Kim, became the first father and son to complete together in the same Big Dawg events, the qualifier in California, and the finals in West Palm Beach. The finals were held in conjunction with the US Nationals in 2019. Casey chose at Nationals to compete in the elite Masters Men division instead of his Men 3 age division. He earned a podium finish in this tough event.
While electing not to travel in 2020 to regionals or nationals, Casey did travel to Lake 38 in Florida last September to ski in the inaugural 55k W.E.S.T. cash prize head-to-head.. Casey earned the number 3 seed for the head-to-head rounds, following scores of 1 1/2 at 41' in both qualifying rounds! Unfortunately a mistake in his first head-to-head bracket cost him a payout. That's all the motivation Casey needs going into 2021 to reach new goals! The current US 2021 ski year ranking has Casey sitting at number 1 in Men 3, and 7th on the Masters Men slalom list. The latest World Water Skiers weekly ranking list shows Casey at number 3 in the world for 35+ Men Slalom.
Casey enjoys giving back to the sport by coaching young skiers in Indiana's annual Junior Development Clinic. He is also an assistant slalom judge, and newly elected member of the IWSA Board of Directors. Casey lives in Anderson with his wife, Jen, son, Bennett, and daughters Bella, Elle, and Sophia.
2020 Midwest Skier Records:
Records based on performances by Midwest Region skiers at ANY record capability tournament regardless of tournament location.
New Records from 2020 include:
Open Men Jump: Will Roberts 212 Feet
Men 1 Jump: Ben Leutz 208 Feet
Men 7 Slalom: Ted McColley 100 Buoys
Boys 2 Slalom: Ethan Barkwell 86 Buoys
Boys 2 Trick: Giovanni Bloyer 3990 Points
Boys 2 Jump: Dylan Anderson 69 Feet
GIrls 2 Slalom: Rachel Staab 62 Buoys
Girls 2 Trick: Cameron Shouman 790 Points
Boys 4 Slalom: Reid Meinhardt 103.5 Buoys
Boys 4 Trick: Ty Kosek 3670 Points
Boys 4 Jump: Ty Kosek 136 Feet
http://awsamidwest.org/midwest-records/
CONGRATS TO ALL!!
Send an email to christy.kingsmill@gmail.com to request your certificate!
Records based on performances by Midwest Region skiers at ANY record capability tournament regardless of tournament location.
New Records from 2020 include:
Open Men Jump: Will Roberts 212 Feet
Men 1 Jump: Ben Leutz 208 Feet
Men 7 Slalom: Ted McColley 100 Buoys
Boys 2 Slalom: Ethan Barkwell 86 Buoys
Boys 2 Trick: Giovanni Bloyer 3990 Points
Boys 2 Jump: Dylan Anderson 69 Feet
GIrls 2 Slalom: Rachel Staab 62 Buoys
Girls 2 Trick: Cameron Shouman 790 Points
Boys 4 Slalom: Reid Meinhardt 103.5 Buoys
Boys 4 Trick: Ty Kosek 3670 Points
Boys 4 Jump: Ty Kosek 136 Feet
http://awsamidwest.org/midwest-records/
CONGRATS TO ALL!!
Send an email to christy.kingsmill@gmail.com to request your certificate!
Skier Recognition Steve Plummer
In 1965, the Plummer family’s summer neighbor on Lake Webster taught Bob, Nancy and Steve how to ski, then signed them up for show skiing with the Ski Bees ski club. Steve Plummer took that plunge into show and tournament skiing that ultimately led to a career as Bart’s Water Sports Center sales manager.
Steve credits the Ski Bees’ welcoming environment for kick starting a lifelong love for the sport. Skiers of all age, gender and ability grabbed skis and headed to the dock for hours of fun together. In 1967 the Ski Bees encouraged Steve to attend his first Indiana State Waterski Tournament, setting in motion a consecutive string of competitive participation that was ended by an untimely surgery in 2020. In 1983 he began serving as a Regular Judge, achieving Sr. Judge credentials in 1991. Yes, he attended and officiated at the 2020 State Meet, and loves the interaction between skiers and officials who do their best to assure that skiers have a great opportunity to perform their best.
Among Steve’s fondest tournament memories is a pre-cruise control Nationals Mens 1 Jump event in Metairie, LA. On his enthusiastic, pass #1 counter cut at the 500’ buoy the driver throttled him… hard! It took the safety boat crew several minutes to clean up the ensuing yard sale at the wrong end of the lake!
For 56 water ski seasons, IWSA Hall of Famer and Rollie Williams Service Award winner Steve Plummer skimmed over Indiana waterways. During that time he ranked at the top of Indiana and Midwest Region 3 event skiing in all age divisions.
No more.
Last October Steve and Becky sold the snow blower and moved to Winter Haven, Florida.
The Plummer’s enjoyed an 80 degree high on the day of this interview. They said that maybe in July they’ll grow weary of the heat. For now, “wintertime” activity includes Pickle Ball and Steve thinks he may take up swimming and alligator wrestling, both available at their lakefront. Son Jeremy may want to take a trip south to discourage the latter!
We wish Steve and Becky a great retirement life in FL!
John Kniesly
In 1965, the Plummer family’s summer neighbor on Lake Webster taught Bob, Nancy and Steve how to ski, then signed them up for show skiing with the Ski Bees ski club. Steve Plummer took that plunge into show and tournament skiing that ultimately led to a career as Bart’s Water Sports Center sales manager.
Steve credits the Ski Bees’ welcoming environment for kick starting a lifelong love for the sport. Skiers of all age, gender and ability grabbed skis and headed to the dock for hours of fun together. In 1967 the Ski Bees encouraged Steve to attend his first Indiana State Waterski Tournament, setting in motion a consecutive string of competitive participation that was ended by an untimely surgery in 2020. In 1983 he began serving as a Regular Judge, achieving Sr. Judge credentials in 1991. Yes, he attended and officiated at the 2020 State Meet, and loves the interaction between skiers and officials who do their best to assure that skiers have a great opportunity to perform their best.
Among Steve’s fondest tournament memories is a pre-cruise control Nationals Mens 1 Jump event in Metairie, LA. On his enthusiastic, pass #1 counter cut at the 500’ buoy the driver throttled him… hard! It took the safety boat crew several minutes to clean up the ensuing yard sale at the wrong end of the lake!
For 56 water ski seasons, IWSA Hall of Famer and Rollie Williams Service Award winner Steve Plummer skimmed over Indiana waterways. During that time he ranked at the top of Indiana and Midwest Region 3 event skiing in all age divisions.
No more.
Last October Steve and Becky sold the snow blower and moved to Winter Haven, Florida.
The Plummer’s enjoyed an 80 degree high on the day of this interview. They said that maybe in July they’ll grow weary of the heat. For now, “wintertime” activity includes Pickle Ball and Steve thinks he may take up swimming and alligator wrestling, both available at their lakefront. Son Jeremy may want to take a trip south to discourage the latter!
We wish Steve and Becky a great retirement life in FL!
John Kniesly
USA Waterski Junior National Team Selection
The Indiana Waterski Association Junior Development Program is pleased to inform you that two of our Indiana Juniors have been selected to the USA Waterski National Junior Team.
We are pleased to introduce our States Selections to the USA Waterski Junior National Team,
Julie Mishler: Milford, Indiana
Samantha Hoops: Coatesville, Indiana
These two skiers have worked extremely hard to achieve their positions on the Team to Represent the United States n 2021.
Read the full article here:
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Water-Ski/News/2021/January/22/AWSA-Selects-National-Junior-Water-Ski-Team
Regards,
Kent Hoops
Indiana Junior Development
Indiana Waterski Association
The Indiana Waterski Association Junior Development Program is pleased to inform you that two of our Indiana Juniors have been selected to the USA Waterski National Junior Team.
We are pleased to introduce our States Selections to the USA Waterski Junior National Team,
Julie Mishler: Milford, Indiana
Samantha Hoops: Coatesville, Indiana
These two skiers have worked extremely hard to achieve their positions on the Team to Represent the United States n 2021.
Read the full article here:
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Water-Ski/News/2021/January/22/AWSA-Selects-National-Junior-Water-Ski-Team
Regards,
Kent Hoops
Indiana Junior Development
Indiana Waterski Association
Skier Recognition Dan Reed
Many of you may not know that Dan Reed spent most of his early life on his feet, waterskiing, playing baseball, football, riding dirt bikes, and even playing in a rock band.
In his early 20’s, he was badly injured while repairing a warehouse loading dock and underwent a year of difficult physical therapy until he could walk, then ski, once again. Twenty years later he broke his leg playing volleyball and the injury set in motion a formerly benign neurological condition that paralyzed his legs and left him in a wheelchair, permanently, in 2000.
In 2001, at age 45, Dan was invited to a Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program disabled water ski clinic at Morse Reservoir and was amazed to discover the opportunity to waterski, once again. His first Disabled Nationals tournament in 2004 began a record that included his receiving the 2007 Royce Andes Award for "A Promising New Nationals Skier". Subsequently, his selection to four US Disabled Water Ski Teams led him to compete in the bi-annual World Disabled Waterski Championships, winning Gold with the Team three times, 2009, 2011, and 2015 – he was hospitalized for 5 months in 2013 with a life-threatening bone infection and missed the entire season, including the World Championships in Italy.
Dan serves both his national disabled ski organization, USAAWS&WS, as well as the IWSA on their boards of directors and, until the Indy Skiers ceased operation on a now drained Lake Indy, he was also a Board member in that club.
Last summer Dan was able to finally score his first full tournament pass on the outer slalom course and, along with friend and fellow IWSA member Jerry Hodges, is helping mentor and coach talented Toby Days toward the same goal, hopefully to his first Nationals, joining Dan at his 11th.
Not one to surrender to adversity, Dan looks forward to performing once again on stage with one of his best friends of 35 years and fellow Strum Brother, Bob Moore, as soon as Covid-19 blows town.
Dan is grateful and sincerely thanks his many IWSA friends and Adaptive Team members for all of their support over the years, then and now!
John Kniesly
Many of you may not know that Dan Reed spent most of his early life on his feet, waterskiing, playing baseball, football, riding dirt bikes, and even playing in a rock band.
In his early 20’s, he was badly injured while repairing a warehouse loading dock and underwent a year of difficult physical therapy until he could walk, then ski, once again. Twenty years later he broke his leg playing volleyball and the injury set in motion a formerly benign neurological condition that paralyzed his legs and left him in a wheelchair, permanently, in 2000.
In 2001, at age 45, Dan was invited to a Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program disabled water ski clinic at Morse Reservoir and was amazed to discover the opportunity to waterski, once again. His first Disabled Nationals tournament in 2004 began a record that included his receiving the 2007 Royce Andes Award for "A Promising New Nationals Skier". Subsequently, his selection to four US Disabled Water Ski Teams led him to compete in the bi-annual World Disabled Waterski Championships, winning Gold with the Team three times, 2009, 2011, and 2015 – he was hospitalized for 5 months in 2013 with a life-threatening bone infection and missed the entire season, including the World Championships in Italy.
Dan serves both his national disabled ski organization, USAAWS&WS, as well as the IWSA on their boards of directors and, until the Indy Skiers ceased operation on a now drained Lake Indy, he was also a Board member in that club.
Last summer Dan was able to finally score his first full tournament pass on the outer slalom course and, along with friend and fellow IWSA member Jerry Hodges, is helping mentor and coach talented Toby Days toward the same goal, hopefully to his first Nationals, joining Dan at his 11th.
Not one to surrender to adversity, Dan looks forward to performing once again on stage with one of his best friends of 35 years and fellow Strum Brother, Bob Moore, as soon as Covid-19 blows town.
Dan is grateful and sincerely thanks his many IWSA friends and Adaptive Team members for all of their support over the years, then and now!
John Kniesly
Virtual AWSA Judges/Scorers Clinic on 2/20/2021
A virtual AWSA Judges/Scorers clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lisa Fitzgerald-Fuerst at lisa@doortodoordriving or (414) 349-9027 and provide her with your name and membership number. Lisa will provide you with any technical requirements/instructions.
Clinic Fee Payment: All clinic participants must pay a $10 clinic fee to USA-WSWS. Payment can be made via PayPal to usawaterski@usawaterski.org with member's name, membership number and clinic sanction number (21CL010) included in the Notes section.
Clinic Credit: The virtual clinic fully meets the clinic requirement for rating maintenance, upgrade and reinstatement credit and is approved by the AWSA Judges and Scorers Committee.
Clinic Schedule: Use the link below to view a listing of currently sanctioned clinics. Check back often as this list is updated as new clinics are sanctioned.
https://www.teamusa.org/.../For.../OfficialsClinics.pdf...
Thanks again for volunteering your efforts for our great sport!
MELANIE HANSON
Director of Membership Programs
Officials' Program Coordinator
USA WATER SKI & WAKE SPORTS (USA-WSWS) | MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICIALS PROGRAMS
2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL 33823-9360
OFFICE: 863-324-4341 Ext 115 | DIRECT: 863-508-2096 | FAX: 863-325-8259
#WeAreWaterSki
A virtual AWSA Judges/Scorers clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lisa Fitzgerald-Fuerst at lisa@doortodoordriving or (414) 349-9027 and provide her with your name and membership number. Lisa will provide you with any technical requirements/instructions.
Clinic Fee Payment: All clinic participants must pay a $10 clinic fee to USA-WSWS. Payment can be made via PayPal to usawaterski@usawaterski.org with member's name, membership number and clinic sanction number (21CL010) included in the Notes section.
Clinic Credit: The virtual clinic fully meets the clinic requirement for rating maintenance, upgrade and reinstatement credit and is approved by the AWSA Judges and Scorers Committee.
Clinic Schedule: Use the link below to view a listing of currently sanctioned clinics. Check back often as this list is updated as new clinics are sanctioned.
https://www.teamusa.org/.../For.../OfficialsClinics.pdf...
Thanks again for volunteering your efforts for our great sport!
MELANIE HANSON
Director of Membership Programs
Officials' Program Coordinator
USA WATER SKI & WAKE SPORTS (USA-WSWS) | MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICIALS PROGRAMS
2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL 33823-9360
OFFICE: 863-324-4341 Ext 115 | DIRECT: 863-508-2096 | FAX: 863-325-8259
#WeAreWaterSki
Skier Recognition Jerry Hodges
This week's Skier Recognition Honoree is a "behind the scenes" IWSA member and water skier. I think the most significant attribute is "he loves water skiing!" Jerry Hodges is an Indiana transplant from Oklahoma/Kansas from roughly 20 years ago. He is a life long recreational skier that caught the disease of skiing the course when he appeared at the Fairland Monday Night Ski series in 2005 and then became active with the White River Indy Skiers when they formed. You could find him and his boat on White River nearly every weekday evening and weekend, skiing and pulling skiers. The Indy Skiers did organize several Community Water Ski events promoting water skiing and, are dearly missed since White River became un-skiable. Maintaining a ski course in the river was a challenge and many times the course and supplies ended up downriver in Martinsville after several significant floods. Jerry quickly appeared with air tanks, mask and flippers, ready to reinstall anchors, main line, and buoys. Then came the opportunity to join some others and he became a co-owner of Brewski Lake on the Southeast side of Indianapolis. His water skiing abilities improved enough for him to appear and ski in several State Championships. He didn't set any records but that didn't diminish his enthusiasm for the sport. Jerry had knee replacement a couple of years ago which kept him off the ski for only a few months! In present times, you can find Jerry at Brewski Lake pulling skiers, giving coaching pointers to able body and disabled skiers, water skiing, on a mower or tractor, and of course, drinking a "cold one!"
*We would like to see more suggestions for the Water Skier Recognition series. Nominees can be anyone associated with water skiing in any degree.
Dave Jarrett
This week's Skier Recognition Honoree is a "behind the scenes" IWSA member and water skier. I think the most significant attribute is "he loves water skiing!" Jerry Hodges is an Indiana transplant from Oklahoma/Kansas from roughly 20 years ago. He is a life long recreational skier that caught the disease of skiing the course when he appeared at the Fairland Monday Night Ski series in 2005 and then became active with the White River Indy Skiers when they formed. You could find him and his boat on White River nearly every weekday evening and weekend, skiing and pulling skiers. The Indy Skiers did organize several Community Water Ski events promoting water skiing and, are dearly missed since White River became un-skiable. Maintaining a ski course in the river was a challenge and many times the course and supplies ended up downriver in Martinsville after several significant floods. Jerry quickly appeared with air tanks, mask and flippers, ready to reinstall anchors, main line, and buoys. Then came the opportunity to join some others and he became a co-owner of Brewski Lake on the Southeast side of Indianapolis. His water skiing abilities improved enough for him to appear and ski in several State Championships. He didn't set any records but that didn't diminish his enthusiasm for the sport. Jerry had knee replacement a couple of years ago which kept him off the ski for only a few months! In present times, you can find Jerry at Brewski Lake pulling skiers, giving coaching pointers to able body and disabled skiers, water skiing, on a mower or tractor, and of course, drinking a "cold one!"
*We would like to see more suggestions for the Water Skier Recognition series. Nominees can be anyone associated with water skiing in any degree.
Dave Jarrett
Skier Recognition Megan Lambert
This nomination for Water Skier Recognition makes me feel ancient! I have personally watched Megan Lambert grow and mature from childhood into adulthood. The Lamberts have all been involved in water skiing for years, installing portable courses in public lakes and then, joining ski clubs and most recently being members at Silent Shores near Thorntown. We watched Megan become a first class competitor and also volunteering as a rated driver and judge. She has also been seen coaching and assisting in recent Monday Night Ski Leagues. You may also have seen her articles in the Water Skier Magazine. As for all of us, 2020 has been challenging for Megan. She lost her job early in the summer as a personal trainer. She packed up her suitcase and ski and headed for Coble Ski School and hired on as a counselor teaching youngsters to water ski. She took time to ski in the Southern Regionals, earning the top award in Women's 2. In the Nationals, she tied for first place then.....lost in an exciting "double runoff" for second place in Women's 2 slalom. Then she returned home, emptied out the apartment and headed for Seth Stisher's and worked as a driver in the fall term. Looking towards the winter months, Megan applied for and received a job offer to work the ski slopes at Vail Colorado for the 2020-2021 season teaching snow skiing to youngsters. I think she is "living the dream!" We all look forward to seeing Megan back at Silent Shores and Indiana events in 2021.
We need more nominations with accompanying information.
Dave Jarrett
This nomination for Water Skier Recognition makes me feel ancient! I have personally watched Megan Lambert grow and mature from childhood into adulthood. The Lamberts have all been involved in water skiing for years, installing portable courses in public lakes and then, joining ski clubs and most recently being members at Silent Shores near Thorntown. We watched Megan become a first class competitor and also volunteering as a rated driver and judge. She has also been seen coaching and assisting in recent Monday Night Ski Leagues. You may also have seen her articles in the Water Skier Magazine. As for all of us, 2020 has been challenging for Megan. She lost her job early in the summer as a personal trainer. She packed up her suitcase and ski and headed for Coble Ski School and hired on as a counselor teaching youngsters to water ski. She took time to ski in the Southern Regionals, earning the top award in Women's 2. In the Nationals, she tied for first place then.....lost in an exciting "double runoff" for second place in Women's 2 slalom. Then she returned home, emptied out the apartment and headed for Seth Stisher's and worked as a driver in the fall term. Looking towards the winter months, Megan applied for and received a job offer to work the ski slopes at Vail Colorado for the 2020-2021 season teaching snow skiing to youngsters. I think she is "living the dream!" We all look forward to seeing Megan back at Silent Shores and Indiana events in 2021.
We need more nominations with accompanying information.
Dave Jarrett
Happy New Year 2021!
