​Skier Recognition Promo Drivers
There's more than actual water skiers to recognize. It's the "behind the scenes" people that make tournaments, ski events, clinics and ski lakes operate. This week, it's the "promo boat" persons that get some accolades. For the past 20 years, Brian Detty has been involved with the promo programs. Brian probably got started when he was a member at Fairland Ski Club and has continued to present day as an owner out at Hawthorn Lake near Danville. Brian states that this will be his 21st year associated with Correct Craft/Nautique boats as a promo person. Also a current Promo person is Neal Clark, who's home lakes are Silent Shores and Boondocks Lake. Neal has been a Mastercraft Promo person for approximately the past 10 years. These two fellows sacrifice their time to drag and offer their boats nearly every weekend to central Indiana tournaments and during the summers. Another current Promo boat person is Kent Hoops, who lives at Heritage Lake and plays at Kodiak Lake with his family. We see his Mastercraft at several events each summer. Don't forget Sam Schmitt down at Timberlake. I'm guessing he's been serving time with Mastercraft as long as Brian has been with Nautique! The promo program used to be more rewarding from the manufacturers but times have changed and participating in the promo program is certainly not a lucrative endeavor....it's love and passion for the sport. Our appreciation to all of these fellows and their families for supporting the Indiana Water Ski scene. Some past people involved in the promo programs over the years include; Ray Huber, Clark Smith, Darryl Harrison & Nancy Harrison, Randy Sharkey, Mike Patterson, Dave Jarrett, and Chris Susot. (I'm sure I've left someone out!)
*Please be reminded that we are looking for additional skier recognition nominees. We hope to keep this thread continuing through the winter months.
Dave Jarrett

Skier Recognition Pattersons
This week, we're shining the spotlight on IWSA's MVPs, (Most Valuable Pattersons). I'm referring, of course, to Mike and Patty Patterson, IWSA's version of a "power couple!" If you attend almost any IWSA tournament, you've undoubtedly seen these two working hard and making sure things run smoothly.
Well, you've seen Mike at least, Patty may be in an "undisclosed location" doing her thing as chief scorer, but you've heard her voice over the radios confirming scores and the next pass. Mike and Patty have devoted most of their summer weekends working IWSA ski tournaments for decades. I truly don't know what we'd do without them!

Let's highlight their credentials: Mike is a Senior Judge and Senior Driver for all three events. He is also a PanAm Slalom Judge. He often serves as Chief Judge or Chief Driver for our tournaments. Patty's list of credentials include Senior Scorer for all three events, Senior Slalom Judge, Regular Judge for tricks and jump, as well as a Trained Driver. She serves as Chief Scorer at most Indiana tournaments. They both are past recipients of the prestigious Rollie Williams Award, presented to outstanding members of IWSA. They are also co-developers of one of our great tournament sites.....Silent Shores near Thorntown, Indiana.

Mike and Patty also find time to break away from their duties during tournaments to strap on their skis and compete, Mike in slalom and Patty as a trick specialist, breaking the state record in Women 7 tricks at this year's Indiana State Championships! Mike and Patty, IWSA thanks you for your dedication to our organization, and our sport. You have certainly earned the title of MVPs!
Kim Contos

The Ski Before Christmas
Chris Ault-Waterski Hub
from my dusty old archives. Author unknown (not me).
The Ski Before Christmas
T'was the day before Christmas, and all 'cross the pond
Not a ski boat was growling, except for my Echelon
With me in my drysuit, and Ma in her teddy
She said "It's too cold! Hurry up and get ready"
One thought had occurred as I slid in the water
It's too bad we couldn't have brought out a spotter
Then just 'cross the pond I had heard such a splash
and the rollers that followed, I thought a plane crashed
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a red Nautique with eight tiny reindeer
And there in the back was old St. Nick himself
In a drysuit of red, a right jolly old elf
I said to Ma "Look! It's him! There on the transom!"
"Ooo! " She said "He's quite handsome!"
So I started it up, my new Malibu
And idled up beside the course for a good view
A thought came to mind, as I watched wide awake
With eight reindeer aboard, what a wake they would make
I thought he might wakeboard, as he stood on the deck
But, he pulled out a slalom, a new VTX
With one reindeer driving, and one as the spotter
Several in the bow seat, one had a hoof in the water
Two laid 'cross the back, you could just see an ear
There couldn't have been too much room for the gear
Ol' Santa, he shot us a nod and a wink
As he slid off the platform and into the drink
He yelled "Spark it up, Donner, then take up the line!"
"Watch your speed, hold it steady, and you'll do just fine."
I felt a chill as I watched his Nautique spark to life
When he finally yelled "Hit it!" I clung to my wife
The rope twenty-eight off, the speed Thirty-four,
He must have made at least six passes or more
And on his last pass, he just kept on going
The Nautique started to fly, I guess customized from Boeing
And I heard him exclaim as the boat started to fly
"Merry Christmas to all, and be sure to winterize!"

Skier Recognition Julie Mishler
Of course, we won't forget that there is another Mishler in the picture!
Julie Mishler has been a consistent competitor in water ski tournaments and has held her own, stepping out of the shadow of big sister, Alexis! Take a look at this list of achievements in just this past season:
2020 Indiana State Girls 3 Slalom Champion
2020 MW Regional Trick Champion
2020 Midwest Junior Elite Team
2020 National Midwest All-Star Team
2020 National Girls 3 Slalom 2nd, Trick 2nd, and Overall 3rd place
2020 USA National Junior Development Team
Wow! I can remember early in her water skiing career, she was skiing at the Sawmill Lake Fall Record. She crashed going around 6 ball and somehow fell ahead of her ski and then the ski came up behind her and hit her in the head. There were a few tears but if my memory serves me right, she was out skiing in the next round. We will be looking forward to Julie water skiing up a storm in 2021.
Dave Jarrett

Skier Recognition Alexis Mishler
It gives me great personal pleasure to see that Alexis Mishler was nominated for one of the water skier recognition articles. I can remember just a few years ago, at the last minute, the Mishler's registered their girls for the Indiana State Championships being held at Hawthorn Lake near Danville. My! They have come a long way since then!
In 2020, Alexis was a qualifier for the Junior US Open U17 Slalom event. She was the 2020 Indiana State Slalom, Trick, & Overall Champion. Attending the 2020 Midwest Regionals, she won the Slalom event, placed 4th in Trick, and placed 3rd in Overall. At the 2020 Nationals, she placed 3rd in slalom. Alexis has also been invited to be part of the 2020 USA Junior Development Team and the 2020 Midwest Junior Elite Team. Alexis is a straight A student/athlete at Wawasee High School and a top member of the swim team.
Dave Jarrett

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​News reached the public yesterday concerning the decades long Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel show scheduled for February, 2021. The show has been cancelled due to issues with the Corona Virus / Covid 19.  This show began in the 1950's and continued without interruption for approximately 70 years.  Further research reveals that all of the mid western boat shows have been cancelled......Cincinnati, Chicago, Louisville, etc.  This event will be sadly missed as it was a magnet for groups of friends to gather and meet, to dream/look forward to the coming spring and boating, fishing, water sports weather, etc. 
​Looking forward to a Covid 19 free world!