“Living my best life” comes at different times for everyone. For some, it’s summer camp, others as high school sports captain, and for us, it’s collegiate water ski. Iowa State generously hosted us old balls for a weekend of pretending we’re still in school, feigning rivalries with our long-time friends, and a lot more stretching on the starting dock. 
On the dreamy Dream Lakes Estates, Saturday kicked off with Women’s Jump and Men’s Slalom. Women’s jump was crushed by Erin Kalkbrenner at 119’, and all but 1 women’s skier landing points for their team. On the Men’s lake, our dutiful president Jeff Surdej was neck and neck against Purdue teammate Unicorn ”Michael Bullock”, with the Swerve owner pulling around for 3.5 buoys at 39.5’ off. There was a 3rd place run-off between Matt Heinz and Joe Weiser, with Matt taking the bronze medal home.
With spirit award being the most sought-after prize, Grand Valley State University Alum greased themselves up for a spirited game of Greasy Watermelon. The day was full of fun. We ate fish and chips, while our hog roasted on the spit, thanks to a local restaurant and food truck, the Mobile Mallard. Skiers prepared for the “Summer Camp” theme in typical fashion-making friendship bracelets, because ski friends are forever.
Women’s Jump and Men’s Slalom was followed by Women’s Slalom and Men’s Trick. Skiers who hadn’t seen the course in a while were able to use the new mini-course rules to still earn points for their team. 5 skiers tied as they ran the full mini-course for 3 buoys. Erin Kalkbrenner was back on the podium with 2nd, close behind Jennifer Kaldor who won with 4 buoys at 32’off.
The highlight of men’s trick was once again GVSU’s team, as Pat Taylor started pre-course with a fashion air, followed by a 100ft drag down the lake. He then stood up his trick run, including a flip or two. Pat tied for 7th, while fan favorite and ISU bad boy Matt Knafla took 1st at 2,490 points.
The day concluded with practice time for all events, as everyone got ready for the Hog Roast. After a few rounds of cards on grass, we lined up as just-cut pork, baked beans, Iowa corn, and potatoes were set out for us. As the sun set and the moon rose, the live band started. A local group from Des Moines, the 90’s punk-rock duo dressed in top hats, tuxedo tops, and black cargo shorts set the mood for the night. Surrounded by old and new friends, trading stories and catching up, I knew the night was about to be beautiful. The medal ceremony had a lot more toddlers on the podium than in college, but that’s the joy of an alumni tournament.
Saturday morning started at an old-ball 9 am, with Men’s Jump and Women’s Trick. Rain started to trickle, pausing the tournament only momentarily as GVSU Skier Bryan Condra brought back his famed Uncle Sam costume for some run-ins with Big Red. Red saw some big boots, and while there were still a lot more passes than in collegiate, everyone still gave it their all and worked to get the best scores for their team. Cole Kalkbrenner took 1st with a 154’ leap, surpassing 2018 AWSA Nationals champion Andrew Schmitt who jumped 143’. He was followed by El Presidente (Surdej), and recently un-retired Brett Mommer. Erin was back on top with her final event scoring 1,630 in a rainy women’s trick. Sara Nicely took 2nd with 1,180, and Traci West on her tail with 1,120.
Team Results
Overall, Purdue won with 7,705, followed closely by the host team, and winner of the award for “Most Alumni Skiers” was Iowa State with 7,580. Missouri State took 3rd and Kansas 5th. Full scorebook can be found here on USA Water Ski & Wake Sports website.
| Plcmt | Team | Name | Slalom | Plcmt | Trick | Plcmt | Jump | Plcmt | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PUR | Purdue University | 3,345.0 | 2 | 2,640.0 | 1 | 1,720.0 | 1 | 7,705.0 |
| 2 | IWS | Iowa State University | 3,550.0 | 1 | 2,445.0 | 2 | 1,585.0 | 3 | 7,580.0 |
| 3 | MOS | Missouri State Univ | 2,635.0 | 3 | 1,780.0 | 3 | 1,625.0 | 2 | 6,040.0 |
| 4 | KAN | Kansas University | 1,925.0 | 4 | 1,590.0 | 5 | 1,010.0 | 4 | 4,525.0 |
| 5 | MAD | Univ of Wisc Madison | 1,760.0 | 5 | 1,560.0 | 6 | 700.0 | 8 | 4,020.0 |
| 6 | MAR | University of Iowa | 1,110.0 | 8 | 1,685.0 | 4 | 760.0 | 5T | 3,555.0 |
| 7 | MCH | University of Michigan | 1,420.0 | 6 | 1,055.0 | 8 | 760.0 | 5T | 3,235.0 |
| 8 | GVS | Grand Valley St Univ | 1,010.0 | 9 | 1,185.0 | 7 | 730.0 | 7 | 2,925.0 |
| 9 | MIZ | University of Missouri | 1,115.0 | 7 | 925.0 | 9 | 540.0 | 9 | 2,580.0 |
| 10 | NEB | University of Nebraska | 985.0 | 10 | 550.0 | 11 | 350.0 | 10 | 1,885.0 |
| 11 | WST | Univ of Wisc Stout | 625.0 | 12 | 465.0 | 12 | 300.0 | 11 | 1,390.0 |
| 12 | IOW | Iowa State University | 870.0 | 11 | 320.0 | 14 | 55.0 | 20 | 1,245.0 |
| 13 | KST | Kansas State Univ | 370.0 | 15 | 610.0 | 10 | 110.0 | 16T | 1,090.0 |
| 14 | MST | Michigan State Univ | 435.0 | 13 | 310.0 | 15T | 205.0 | 12 | 950.0 |
| 15 | ASU | Arizona State University | 350.0 | 16 | 290.0 | 17 | 190.0 | 13 | 830.0 |
| 16 | LAX | Univ of Wisc La Crosse | 405.0 | 14 | 310.0 | 15T | 110.0 | 16T | 825.0 |
| 17 | UND | Univ of Notre Dame | 260.0 | 19 | 240.0 | 18 | 170.0 | 14 | 670.0 |
| 18 | COL | University of Colorado | 280.0 | 17 | 95.0 | 19 | 130.0 | 15 | 505.0 |
| 19 | MOH | Miami of Ohio | 130.0 | 21T | 330.0 | 13 | 0.0 | 21T | 460.0 |
| 20 | WMU | Iowa State University | 270.0 | 18 | 30.0 | 20 | 100.0 | 18 | 400.0 |
| 21 | UNI | Univ of Northern Iowa | 185.0 | 20 | 25.0 | 21 | 80.0 | 19 | 290.0 |
| 22 | UWW | Univ of Wisc Whitewater | 130.0 | 21T | 0.0 | 22 | 0.0 | 21T | 130.0 |
The reunion of 10-20 year alumni, along with some recent graduates, and current skiers helping run the tournament, was just like the old days-just with nicer tents and more big toys and children racing around the lakes. Many thanks to the ISU team for hosting a great tournament! Great seeing everyone at the lake, and can’t wait for the next event!
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