Commemorating Stan Coppock’s Contributions to Collegiate Water Skiing

The National Collegiate Water Ski Association is proud to recognize Stan Coppock as an Honorary National Director, recognizing his years of leadership, service, and dedication to collegiate water skiing.

Stan Coppock was a professor of entomology at Oklahoma State University and founded the Oklahoma State University water ski team in 1976. He served as the team’s advisor until his death in 1992, becoming a familiar and beloved presence throughout the South Central Conference. Stan traveled with Oklahoma State to tournaments across the region, where he judged, scored, cheered on the Cowboys, as he encouraged generations of collegiate skiers.

His involvement in collegiate water skiing began even before the founding of the OSU team. Coppock served as Chief Scorer for the first South Central Conference Intercollegiate Tournament in Leesville, Louisiana, in 1975. He later played an instrumental role in organizing the first Big Eight Water Ski Championships in 1991.

Stan provided years of leadership to the South Central Conference as Chairman of the South Central Conference Board of Directors. His commitment to the growth and organization of collegiate water skiing eventually led him to the NCWSA Board of Directors, where he served as Vice-Chairman at the time of his death.

Coppock was also appointed as a judge at the 1988 All-Stars, further reflecting the trust placed in his knowledge, fairness, and dedication to the sport.

Stan’s life was tragically cut short on his 66th birthday when he was killed by a drunk driver while traveling to a party the Oklahoma State water ski team was hosting in his honor. Although his life ended far too soon, his impact on collegiate water skiing continues through the countless students and athletes he supported.

Through his patience, coaching, leadership, and friendship, Stan Coppock helped shape the collegiate water skiing community and left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. His dedication to athletes and to the growth of the sport exemplifies the qualities recognized through his designation as an Honorary National Director.