Midwest Region SkiAmmys at Winter Conference 2018!

Midwest Winter Conference. Just another reason to be thankful I ski for Team Midwest. Between getting together for a weekend with 200 closest ski friends and 3 professional water skiers in a college town, well, not much compares. While much of Saturday was dedicated to learning water ski tips from Marcus Brown, Zack Worden and Cale Burdick, Saturday evening is all about recognizing the people who make Team Midwest so great. This recognition comes in the form of a special Team Midwest award–The SkiAmmys.

Best Team Captain – Amber Aho (Iowa State) 

“Amber Aho has more water skiing passion than anyone that I have ever met. Her drive to improve the team, both in skiing and team spirit, comes with the utmost importance. She is down on the dock with every skier, dancing and singing her little heart out and cheering on ALL skiers (no matter from what team). Seeing her do all this and have fun and compete in the mean time, made me get up and follow suit: she is a true model and a natural leader.  As you all might have heard, Iowa State won the very coveted Spirit Award at this years 2017 collegiate nationals: that was all because of her, and everyone on the Iowa State team can attest to that. There wasn’t a single time, throughout the entire 3 day tournament, that she wasn’t dancing/singing, running to get a skier, or cheering her head off along shore (honestly, I have no idea how she could even do that). As per her request during that tournament, she made sure that everyone else on the team be up on their foot too and cheer on their teammates. She made the team what it is today.”

~ Chris Kownick

 

Most Improved Skier – Nikki Weber (Missouri State)

“I have known Nikki my entire life and this past year I got to see her grow enormously as a skier. 2017 was a big year for Nikki. She was dedicated more than I have ever seen, and she was determined to get better. This summer Nikki worked at Isaiah’s Run ski school and improved immensely in all 3 events. She went from tricking on two to doing toe tricks on one. Her jump increased from doing minor cutting to three quartering cuts and literally FLYING. She made it 86 feet at regionals this past fall. Her slalom has also gotten better and she is now running passes at 32 mph. Nikki has become one of the top skiers of our team, and we are lucky to have her. I am excited for her to continue on her skiing journey in 2018 and can’t wait for her to make it to the 100 ft club!!!” 

~Katy Pfeffercorn

 

Hardest Worker – Hunter Duffy (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse)

“Hunter worked at a ski school this summer and came back to La Crosse full of more skiing knowledge than I thought possible and having learned a whole new event (in addition to drastic improvements in the others). He was our top skier and helped carry our team to Nationals. His hard work and dedication led him to 4th in Slalom, Trick, and Overall at D2 Nationals. He was frequently looking for that extra set during practice and was always excited to hop in the water, unnervingly, despite the dropping temperatures. Furthermore, he worked hard over the summer to ensure we had a boat for practice and a spot to store it. During the season, he spent every afternoon and evening on the water, driving and coaching countless skiers. He exercised an extreme amount of patience after hearing, ‘Hunter, what can I do to improve this’ and ‘What did I do wrong,’ over and over again from all our team members. He always pushed our members to work harder and try new things, helping our team grow and improve. He helped lead our team to Nationals not only with his skiing, but also with his commitment to others on the team. He could consistently be found driving the team trailer to tournaments and helping out in the boat or with scoring. He pushed himself on the water, but also in school, understanding the importance of both despite how tough either of them became. I have yet to meet someone more driven and dedicated to the sport and Team Midwest in general.”

~Sam Granec

 

Happy Award; Most Supportive Alumni – Mike Testa (Marquette University)

“Testa is THE most supportive Alumni, not just in the conference, but probably in the whole sport of college skiing. Testa does so much from judging tournaments, setting up tournament, coaching in his spare time, setting up fundraisers, and helping out Marquette and Milwaukee Ski teams. He is willing to go out of his way to help any skier. Testa has even picked me up at my parent’s house to take me to a ski event. His love and support for water skiing is truly something I envy. Thank you Testa!”
~Nolan Fink

“Testa, he just won’t go away. #dolessmiketesta.com. But in all seriousness testa makes tournaments happen for team midwest. He has stepped up in a huge way and lives and dies for team midwest.”
~Jack Ralph

 

Kiedrowski Award; Most Supportive Skier – Spencer ‘Spenny’ Johnson (University of Nebraska)

“I don’t think there was a time I went off the dock when Spenny wasn’t there waiting with me, and then meeting me to help carry my skis afterwards. No matter how, umm, rough, his previous night may have been, Spenny was up and waiting on the dock with our first skier. He’d help them carry their skis, give them last minute tips, and give last minute words of encouragement. Spenny has been a great Team Captain over the past couple years and was always there to support his team!”

~Margaret Silhasek

 

Most Consistent Skier – Andrew Shea (Ohio State University)

“This man tricked lights out at every tournament we went to this year. Pretty sure the only variability in his scores were judging “errors” (maybe got him a PB?) I don’t think anyone really knows how trick works, I certainly don’t. Anyway, Shea rocked it this year week in and week out.”

~Zach Brannan

 

Most Outstanding Senior Male – Alex Clark (Michigan State University)

“Alex Clark has done a lot for the MSU team over the years. He not only developed our team in talent by coaching skiers day in and day out, but he also helped develop relationships between team members and others in the ski community through sponsorships and officiating at tournaments. He helped get our team more involved in the ski community as a whole, which in turn lead to many of us getting better.

Alex was also a big points skier for us. Alex was always the best or close to the best in every event for our team. This included coming out of jumping retirement when our team needed the points. Alex always pushed his teammates to try to beat him and gave them credit where credit was due when they beat him.

Alex also announced a lot of regionals and was lending a hand anywhere that it was needed at tournaments. Alex overall left his mark on midwest collegiate waterskiing, as being a great guy in general. Oh and let me not forget to say that he is the 2017 NCWSA Male Outstanding Leader of the Year.”

~Jessica Carr

 

Most Outstanding Senior Female – Jessica Carr (Michigan State University)

“I met Jessie at All Stars this past summer and from the moment I met her, I knew I had met a truly outstanding person. She makes every person she talks to feel special and important. Day or night, Jessie radiates her positivity (and relentless team spirit) in everything she does. Her devotion to MSU’s team and teammates is truly inspiring because one’s ski “talent” does not matter take priority to her. Whether it is a girl on the team learning to improve her lands off the jump like Kayla or coaching her teammates on a new way to garner spirit from the crowd (handstand contests, their impressive dedication to green and white body paint and the classic dock jams), I always seem to see Jessie selflessly running around to help her team with a huge smile on her face. Though I am not on MSU’s team, Jessie has made me feel like an honorary member since I met her last summer and that alone is a quality that every collegiate skier should embody to better the water ski community.”

~Julia Marie

 

Male Rookie of the Year – Jose Luis Tegada (Purdue University)

“Ball state fling: 3rd slalom, 1st trick, 1st jump, 1st overall. Great Lakes conference: 2nd slalom, 3rd trick, 1 jump, 2nd overall. Midwest regionals: 6th slalom, 2nd trick, 2nd jump, 1st overall.”

~Camille Clark

‘Nuff said.

 

Female Rookie of the Year – Jenna  Meyer (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse)

“Jenna came in known as Jarad Meyer’s younger sister, but she sure left this season with a mark of her own. Entering this year with some experience, she quickly shot to the top of our women’s roster and kept on soaring. She was always at practice trying new things, fine tuning others, and consistently coaching and encouraging others. She did not stir at the new challenge of balancing school, skiing, and freshman year life and was regularly found in the library, on the water, or hanging with other ski team members. She was always down at the dock with a killer pump-up song and afterwards found grabbing equipment after a pass – all while never failing to offer a laugh or hug when needed. Her skiing abilities led her to 2nd in Trick and 4th Overall at D2 Nationals and her hardworking and caring personality landed her a top spot in our hearts. Her passion for skiing and our team has also led her to a position on our Exec Board. Jenna has been a huge asset to our team and we cannot wait to see where she soars from here.”

~Sam Granec

 

Most Valuable Male Skier – Hunter Duffy (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse)

“Hunter Duffy… Dunter Puffy… you name it this kid is down right sick nasty. This guy knows his way around a shred stick. On that note he also knows his way around a podium. 1st, 2nd, 3rd I almost feel bad, he may have neck problems from all the medals he wins. He’s been ripping turns ever since he could walk. Yes, check the stats–he’s made it to All-Stars before and no doubt he will this year. Also, check the natty’s stats because he placed in overall and trick and slalom. Hunter dedicated his summer to becoming a 3-event monster. He went from ride overs to pushing 100 in a year. Also, he went from the cleanest side slides and 180’s to flips and tricky-icky toe turns. Hunter does the simple things right, and puts in the training of an MVS.”

~Evan Marcus

 

Most Valuable Female Skier – Kristen Dammeyer (Ohio State University)

“Kristen (K$) Dammeyer!!! Kristen has been a huge scorer for Ohio State’s water ski team over the last four years. Kristen consistently placed first in all three events throughout the 2017 season. She’s just as valuable off the water, helping out immensely with the administrative side of tournaments and coaching and supporting her teammates. You go girl.”
~Megan Gilroy

“K$ is truly an amazing skier. Between winning overall at Regionals and consistently placing 1st in trick and slalom, there is no one who deserves this award more than her. On top of being a rock star skier, Kristen is also an amazing teammate and friend! When I joined the team, I immediately noticed how her friendly and inviting attitude made all the new members feel very welcome. You can always count on K$ to pick you up when you’re down!”
~Anna Prior

 

Most Likely to Go Pro – Jarad Meyer (University of Wisconsin – Madison)

“From skiing in Germany, and everyone’s favorite, the fashion air thrown at Natties, I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw Jarad smiling on the cover of “The Water Skier” tomorrow.” ~Sara Condra

“The kid knows how to give the people what they want. (Does skiing in germany as a summer job already make him a professional?)”~Jack Ralph

“Jarad Meyer – UW MAD SKILLZ. He used to be called the king of pop and he knows his way around a trick ski.” ~Natalie Marcus

“Jarad Meyer – U dub dub. That fashion air speaks for itself!” ~Sam Granec

 

 

Most Likely to Hit the Side Curtain – Sam Smogard (University of Wisconsin – Madison)

“MR. Tips in Sam Smogard.” ~Jack Ralph

 

MCWSA Team of the Year – University of Nebraska

Although the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s water ski club team is still young and growing, what its accomplished in the past five years is truly incredible. A main goal of USA Water Ski and the NCWSA is to promote the growth and development of water skiing, and UNL has taken this and run with it. This past year, UNL hosted a basic skills clinic at Championship Lake Estates to teach interested students about water skiing and let them give it a try! This skills clinic alone introduced 20 new skiers to the sport and 11 new skiers to the team. While Nebraska had great success in drawing people to the sport this past year, their involvement didn’t stop there! Individuals on the team strive to learn as much as possible about the sport, and they do so by getting involved in every possible way they can both at and outside of tournaments. It is not uncommon to see a Nebraska skier in the boat, on the dock, or sitting with a judge. Nebraska has won the Team Midwest Officials Incentive Program for the past two years!

Overall, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Water Ski Team exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded team. The team has introduced well over 50 students to the sport in just its five years as a team, and for several years have helped out at an adaptive water ski clinic where they share their Life on the Water with individuals who don’t get to go out to the lake after class every day. By taking initiative to grow as a team and as individuals, both on and off the water, the Nebraska Water Ski has continuously improved each season. The team usually practices at state recreation lakes about 30 minutes from campus and constantly fights closures due to toxic blue green algae and E coli. However, in just it’s 5th year as a competing team, Nebraska qualified for Midwest Collegiate Regionals for its 4th year—and had its best finish yet this last year—truly showing they don’t let anything stop them from improving and enjoying the life of collegiate water ski!

~Margaret Silhasek

 

Jeff Surdej Award – Jim Aksamit (University of Wisconsin – Madison)

“Throughout his years on the board he has continued to be a strong voice that not only has a way of captivating the ears and hearts of the captains, but also within the board. This year he helped take the reigns of Winter Conference and was there every step of the way for every phone call, email, text and Myspace (uhh?) chat that we had about it because he and I have learned so much from past experiences together. He also has been someone that I lean on for advice on how to handle the different situations that arise within Team Midwest year after year and for that I will be forever grateful! Even though he will no longer be on the executive board for Team Midwest, I know he will be around not only training the new treasurer, but being the all around great human and friend!”

~Christy Kingsmill

 

Not Zack Worden – Professional Skiammy Nominator

Because he creatively self-nominated himself for every. single. award., I found it hard not to include Zack and some of his nominations in the list of final awards. So if you’re in need of a laugh today…enjoy!

Most Improved Skier: “duh…Zack Worden.”
Kiedrowski Award: “THE_ZACK_WORDEN…follow me on Instagram”
Best Team Captain: “I am the Captain of the Team Captain.”
Most Likely to Hit the Side Curtain: “Hopefully not Zack Worden.”
Happy Award-Most Supportive Alumni: “I love team midwest … and i’m happy all the time …”
Most Likely to Go Pro: “this one is easy…Zack Worden.”
Most Consistent Skier: “Most consistent lover of Team Midwest…”
Most Outstanding Senior Female: “Miss. Zachary Worden.”
Team of the Year: “Daddy is his own team…Team Zack Worden.”
Female Rookie of the Year:“Miss Zachary Worden…because she can.”
Most Valuable Female Skier: “Miss. Zachary Worden…her knees are worth $300k…that makes her valuable.”
Most Outstanding Senior Male: “I started having grey haris, that makes me a Senior, right?”
Hardest Worker Award: “Easy…Zack Worden.”