NCWSA Hall of Fame – Class of 2019: Marcus Brown – National Collegiate Water Ski Association

Photos provided by Marcus Brown, feature photo shot by John Mommer.

Before the dreaded one was a force on the pro slalom scene, before his amazing Flow Point videos featuring the NCWSA, he was like any other kid growing up in skiing going to some college tournaments. He knew what he wanted to do and he ended up committing to ski competitively in college. Marcus started his career at Sac State (California State University, Sacramento) then transferred to Chico State (California State University, Chico) and studied Civil Engineering from 2001-2005.

What was your favorite thing about skiing in college?
I met some of the best people in my life, through collegiate skiing. The community and network of friends is what separates this sport from almost every other sport out there

2004 Collegiate All-Stars at Sky Lake in Chico, California

Marcus took the NCWSA by storm in his first fall season when he increased the slalom record to 3.5 at 39.5’ off, which bested the previous record where 6 skiers were pilled up at 3 ball. After his record was surpassed by Dimitri Gamzukoff, Marcus increased it again to 5 at 39.5′ off. This stood until Chris Parrish was the first collegiate skier to run 39.5′ off and set the record to 2@41’off. Marcus then tied Chris Parrish’s record at the 2003 All-Stars. This still stands as the All-Star’s tournament men’s slalom record.

While Marcus is best known for his slalom skiing, in true collegiate fashion, he would take on all three events when called upon by his team. At the 2003 Nationals, Marcus was substituted in for a fellow teammate who was injured. Marcus took to the water to trick 660 points and jump 77′, placing him as 13th Overall.

Hall of Fame - Class of 2019: Marcus Brown - Worlds

In 2002 Marcus attended the University World Championships in Tianjin, China where he took the gold medal in slalom with 4@39.5′ off. He added to his collection of titles by setting a new world collegiate tournament record with that gold winning performance.

What was your career highlight when skiing in college?
Probably the 2002 University World’s title in China. It was my first international trip, my first time representing the USA, and my parents had the opportunity to travel with me. They have been incredible supporters throughout my skiing career, but they haven’t been fortunate enough to travel to many of my events. In 2002, I was lucky to have my family there… and that made the win that much sweeter.

In Marcus’ post collegiate skiing career he has been a speaker at the Midwestern Regions’ Winter Conference and has been supporting and promoting collegiate skiing through a few of his Flow Point videos. In the videos that concentrate on collegiate water skiing, he has captured the exciting atmosphere and team spirit while also highlighting skiers’ talent at all levels.

Marcus Brown’s likeness is immortalized as the slalom skier in the NCWSA Logo.

What roll do you see NCWSA playing in the future of the sport?
I believe NCWSA is the tip of the spear when it comes to water skiing. No other place have I seen the level of energy, excitement and passion, that I see in collegiate skiing. Not even at the pro level. This is the future of the sport, and I can’t wait to see where it ends up in 5 or 10 years.

Any advice to those currently skiing or looking to ski in college?
Don’t downplay how important these years are… with good friends (old and new) and insane experiences. Some of your friends you ski with will be friends for life.

Hall of Fame - Class of 2019: Marcus Brown - Team Marcus

Anything you would like to add or note about your time in NCWSA?
I feel grateful to those who have kept the NCWSA torch lit, and who continue to throw fuel on the fire. My time as a skier in college was a time that changed me for the better, and I hope those who had a hand in creating events and growing the collegiate ski scene understand just how impactful their roles have been on tens of thousands of young student athletes.

Looking back on my collegiate skiing career, it’s the friendships that mean the most. Good friends will always outlast any trophy or medal or ego boost.
Marcus Brown