After two years of ending the season after the regional competition, the University of Wisconsin Water Ski and Wakeboard Team broke onto the national scene this season. The squad qualified for nationals and earned an eighth place finish at the Division 1 National Competition in Zachary, LA Oct. 16.
The road to nationals included one wakeboarding and barefooting competition, three skiing tournaments featuring slalom, trick and jump and years of hard work and dedication.
At the Wakeboard and Barefooting Tournament this fall, the team took first place and won a one-year lease on a brand new Malibu ski boat. The win allowed their daily practices on Lake Monona to include two boats, instead of their standard one-boat practices.
The team competed with 30 schools from the Midwest Sept. 18 at the Dual Conference Tournament in Wilmington, Ill. taking a second place finish. The Great Plains Conference on Sept. 25 in Decatur, Ill. was comprised of 16 teams, eight of which continue on to regionals. UW took home first place.
Then, at the Midwest Collegiate Regionals Oct. 2-3, also in Wilmington, Ill., the squad chipped in one of their finest performances of the year, according to Vice President Katie Buchanan.
“We started to relax after the first few events went well, we were skiing fantastic and knew we would make it to nationals,” Buchanan said.
UW won second place, securing a spot at nationals for the first time during the team’s seven-year history on campus.
In many ways, the performance of the team far surpassed even the expectations of the skiers. Treasurer Mike Lausten said he admits the team did not expect to do well at nationals.
“We went to nationals thinking we would be in the last two places,” Lausten said.
“We never dreamed we would do so well,” PR chair Jeffrey Gustafson said. “A number of skiers performed personal bests. Every member of this team contributed to our stellar performance.”
A large part of the team’s success was due to the dedication of their coaches and sponsors. Coach Scott Mottice works for Athletics in Action and specializes in trick skiing. Dave Muehl is the tournament boat driver and an award winning slalom skier. Their sponsor, Redline Water Sports and Mastercraft, helps provide the team’s equipment.
According to Buchanan, the time afforded by these coaches and sponsors remains a key factor in the squad’s recent success.
“They don’t have to coach, they volunteer their time for us,” she said. “Our sponsors are hugely supportive behind the scenes, from discounts on equipment to knowledge about the sport.”
After a successful season, the team hopes to continue their achievements in the future, according to Club President Jimmy Harkbarth.
“Now that we’ve had a taste of it, we want it every year,” Harkbarth said.
The team is actively looking for new students to become members because many of its competitive skiers will graduate this year. All students are welcome to join and practice with the team, however, the top five male and females represent the team in competition.
During the winter off-season, the team participates in and hosts the Winter Conference. The conference allows collegiate skiers from the Midwest to participate in clinics by professional skiers. In addition, the team attends clinics to promote and recruit high school students.
For Buchanan, a senior graduating in May, an eighth place rank validates four years of practice.
“There has been blood, sweat and tears the last four years,” she said. “To qualify and get eighth is more than we could have asked for.”
