Storm no match for teamwork of competitors on hand
The 50th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Waterski tournament started out with a bit of excitement from Mother Nature when a strong wind storm hit the tournament site late in the afternoon July 21, nearly destroyed the venue, according to members of the local team.
Dozens of trees were uprooted, portal-potties turned over, tents toppled and the judges stand – including an 800-pound metal stairway – were all upended in the wind/rain storm.
“For those of you that were there when the storm hit Thursday afternoon, you know the devastation that the storm caused. I am not only impressed, but also so very proud of the way that people from all teams came together and pitched in to help the (Wisconsin Rapids) Aqua Skiers clean up the mess and helped rebuild the site to make it as good as new,” Chris Coupland of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation, said.
“…Not only did we start on time, but there were barely any signs left of the damage the storm brought the day before. It was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of so many dedicated volunteers. I am proud and thankful to be involved in an organization that contains so many caring and incredible people,” Coupland added.
The tournament, held on Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin Rapids, went on without a hitch.
“Thankfully no one was injured and all teams came together as one to begin immediate cleanup of the debris and the water ski shows went on as planned for the weekend,” Tammy Tomomitsu said.
The competition, including 23 teams, was divided into three categories typically based on a team’s size. The Minneiska Ski Team, with a total of 60 members ranging in age from 9 to 71, earned enough points to secure a second place victory at the tournament in Division 3.
But that’s not where the accolades ended for the local team.
Minneiska members Brandon Schleicher and Lawton Lohff won the most original/unique act award for the second year in a row.
“They did this with Brandon’s amazing wake board skills, flipping and flying over the jump, and then ending with a bomb out bare foot run,” Tomomitsu said.
Wisconsin’s overall top female skier for 2016 went to Minneiska’s very own Susi Schleicher, who also earned the award in 2010.
“Susi was awarded this for her multiple talents on the water including: centering the teams four-high pyramid; basing a three-high pyramid; swiveling; trick skiing; team ballet line; and the 360 around the boat act,” she said.
The final highlight of the tournament was the construction of an all-team pyramid comprised of at least one member from every team that competed in this 50th milestone event.
“Hunter Abramson, 15, proudly represented Minnieska in the pyramid. This was especially meaningful after seeing how all these different teams pulled together after the storm to make sure the tournament and the ski shows were able to perform,” Tomomitsu said.
In addition to ski performers, she said the team is comprised of boat drivers and riders, safety people, stage and sound crews.
“There is something for everyone to do. Ask any ski member how you can get involved,” she said.
The ski team will continue to perform on Whitewater lake at Scenic Ridge Campground, W7991 R&W Townline Rd., Whitewater the following Saturdays this year – Aug. 6 and Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.
