​The annual Indiana Water Ski Association Awards Ceremony and Banquet was held on Saturday, November 4th, 2023.  The event was held at the Sahms Prairie View Event Center in Carmel, Indiana.  Approximately 82 people enjoyed the dinner and of course the highlight of the evening were the awards.  (2023 IWSA AWARDS NOMINEES is posted on the IWSA website)  John Kniesly held the attention of all with this usual comments and excellent MC skills.  The main focus of the awards was recipient of Hall of Fame.  Jack Henricks a life long barefoot skier received the award in the company of family and friends.  (A complete story for Jack Henricks will appear shortly on the IWSA web site and other social media.  Mucho thanks to the board members and wives  who put this event on especially Jill Cross who collected funds, Katie McCullogh who arranged the event site reservation, and  Randy Sharkey (Historian) who provided posters and details for the Hall of Fame award.

Congratulations to all of our 2023 IWSA skiers that were nominated this year for their outstanding performance on and off the water. The state of Indiana is proud to celebrate each individual and all they have accomplished.
​See you all at the Banquet on November 4th!

Please RSVP to crossjeff38@gmail.com

Executive Director Nate Boudreaux To Step Down Effective Nov. 3 
 
Boudreaux served as executive director of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports since 2018 ​
 
AUBURNDALE, Fla. – USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Executive Director Nate Boudreaux has resigned his position to pursue other interests, the organization has announced. His last day will be Nov. 3. 
  
Boudreaux joined USA Water Ski & Wake Sports in August 2018 and has led the organization over the last five years. During his tenure, which included guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, USA-WSWS has seen unprecedented financial stability.  Additionally, he grew the organization’s social media platforms by 107% and created several new marketing and programming initiatives, including Get on the Water and #WeAreWaterSki to drive new members to the sport. In 2022, USA-WSWS was awarded the USOPC Choice Award for the Girls, Inc. Learn to Ski Program for excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  
“ I have truly enjoyed my time at USA Water Ski & Wake Sports and hope that I am leaving the organization in a better place,” Boudreaux said. “I want to thank the board of directors for giving me this opportunity. I have met some amazing people in the water ski community.” 
  
The organization will immediately begin a national search for a new executive director. Those interested may apply online.  https://www.teamworkonline.com/olympic-jobs/usngbjobs/usa-water-ski/executive-director-2053845​
 

We need your nominations received by October 12

​Silent Shores hosted the final tournament of the 2023 season.  The day started out cold, dismal, and not very promising but the actual water conditions  were excellent all day!  At times the sun came out and the sweatshirts came off.  Three rounds of slalom and trick made for good times for all who came.  The famous "pork burgers" off the grill were enjoyed by all.  The younger skiers even were awarded medals for the efforts in both slalom and tricks. 
Pay attention to IWSA announcements coming for the annual awards banquet to be held later this fall.

​Team Sharkey arrived at Saturday's Silent Shores Tournament with their early 2000 Mastercraft Prostar in tow.  And they left with their new 2023 Mastercraft Prostar in tow!  The Sharkey families pre-ordered their new Prostar from The Liquid Edge in Illinois who then placed the boat with Neal Clark for "promo boat use" during the summer of 2023.  A sweet arrangement for all involved!  The Liquid Edge supplies several promo boats each year to several Indiana customers.  Happy Skiing to the Team Sharkey!

​​Big shout out to Cody Sharkey as he has qualified for the 35+ Pan Am Senior Water Ski Championships as an independent to be held September 21-24, 2023 at Skyview Water Ski Club in Harmony, NC.
Qualification is based on being in Top 5 rankings for the Pan Am.
Do what you do best, Cody, we will all be cheering you on!!
(Photo courtesy of Shane Cleminson Photography)