Connelly Skis 2018 NCWSA Nationals - Bridge to Nationals

Three Days of Epic Skiing at the Connelly Skis 2018 NCWSA National Championships!

Molly Voska Events, Midwestern Region, Nationals, Regions, Results, South Central Region, Southern & Atlantic Coastal Region, Western Region

“Collegiate skiers, you have our heart. As an advocate for all things on the water, and a fan of all things-collegiate waterskiing, we were blown away by the team spirit, the legendary scores, and the outrageous amount of Connelly American Flag and Flip Flop floats lining the shoreline at the 2018 Collegiate Nationals. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the most epic tournament of the year! While the PND (Post Nationals Depression) has already kicked in, we want to lift your spirits with a reminder of our Connelly University gear discounts. Smash the link to learn more.” — Ellie Horton, Connelly Skis Stokesperson

This past October, 24 qualifying teams (plus Chico State) finished their #roadtonationals when they arrived at the Connelly Skis 40th National Collegiate Water Ski Championships, hosted by Texas State University and Texas A&M University at the San Marcos River Ranch in Martindale, Texas. The twenty-four teams were split into two divisions; the best teams from all four regions shredded, sprayed, and sent it for three long days, in hopes of winning the national title!

With full division 1 and division 2 recaps to come later this week, let’s just get into a quick overview of some of the sites and sounds of what made the Connelly Skis 2018 NCWSA Nationals one amazing three-day epic adventure!

The Entryway – Shopping & Food!

Throughout the three day event, skiers lined up for coffee from Azteca, Barbeque from Keme’s, and nuggets from Chick-fil-A. There was a booth for a pick-your-design apparel printing, while others shopped around with Michael Hayes Jewelry, Masterline Ropes, and Eagle Wetsuits. Connelly Skis, our title sponsor, was also on site showing off their new skis, giving away floats, and spreading the word for their collegiate discount program. Bennett’s Ski School displayed a banner thanking collegiate skiers for their support! Dolphin Wetsuits also had a few banners on site to sponsor the event and contribute to the fun atmosphere. MasterCraft had boats both on the water and on display for us to drool over, and San Antonio Surgical Arts were on standby (just kidding).

Day 1

Day 1 kicked off with D1 Women’s Slalom and D2 Women’s Jump. Women’s slalom was a most anticipated event, as Siani Oliver (the University of Louisiana at Monroe) had just matched the Women’s slalom collegiate record at the South Central Regional tournament 2 weeks back, joining Manon Costard and Samantha Dumala at 3 buoys at 39’off. Multiple skiers came close to matching, and we were hoping for a smash, but the record held. Later we saw D2 Men’s Jump and D1 Men’s Slalom (rotation 1-4). Nathan Kelm sent the furthest jump of the day, landing at 149ft. Men’s Slalom was full of excitement, but the best was yet to come as the sunset rule saved rotation five skiers for day 2.

Day 2

ULL skier preps on the dock with team captain

Day 2 had a chilly start with D1 & 2 Men’s trick, but by D2 Women’s Trick and D1 Women’s jump, the Texas heat was in full force. Skiers piled on to the sudsy inflatable slide to slip around with their teammates and new friends. Others bounced around the multi-sport bounce house to stay limber. All competitors celebrating the #MostFunWins attitude.

Thanks to all our volunteer announcers for giving us the 3-day play-by-play

Day 3

By Day 3, a stormy morning brought some delays, as we worked our way through D1 Women’s Trick and D2 Women’s Slalom. Skiers lined the lake for the culmination of Division 1 Women’s trick! Alabama Freshman Anna Gay took the water, just after incredible skiers like Vale Gonzalez (Florida Southern College) and Jenna Morgan (Rollins College), and she was followed by phenomenal skiers from both University of Louisiana schools. Speaking afterward, the Chilean skier Valentina Gonzalez (FSC) was overheard saying to her international friends and competitors, “This [NCWSA Nationals] is bigger than Worlds for us.” As we started D1 Men’s Jump and D2 Men’s Slalom, the wind grew stronger, and captains made a decision to switch towards the southwest jump to leap into a fierce headwind. Late cuts would be the norm, leaving safety swimmers on the edge of their seats. Teammates cheered from the water, as the sun beat down on us all.

The last jumper (Taylor Garcia) landed at 6:06 pm, securing the win for the University of Louisiana at Monroe on his second jump. Taylor passed on his 3rd attempt in favor of a celebration with his team on the shoreline as the exciting tournament came to a close. With the final jumper in the books, skiers rushed to pack up, and head back to the hotels to primp for the annual banquet awards. Body paint, sunburns, swimsuits, and lake hair were exchanged for tan lines, dresses, suits, and cowboy boots as we all headed to the San Marcos Regional Airport Skyport.

Full division 1 and division 2 recaps are set for release later today and tomorrow!

Banquet!

Hall of Fame Induction – Inaugural Class, Class of 2018

A delicious dinner was served as we inducted the inaugural class to the NCWSA Hall of Fame. Accepting for Dave Clark, Gordon Hall asked us all to send best wishes to the Midwest creator of our current scoring tech, who promises he’ll get through this fight. Rob Rhyne, reminded us that he got to where he is, by merely asking if he could help, and never stopped volunteering, still serving on the NCWSA board. Rhoni Barton-Bischoff of Rollins College is still an amazing skier and dominated the field when she was in college. She continues to show us her grit and drive, through skiing, coaching and elevating the water ski world. Finally, Jay Bennett gave us thanks, as he’s seen skier after skier from his program lead the next generation of skiing.

Awards Ceremony

2018 NCWSA Nationals - Outstanding Driver: Scott Greenwood
Scott Greenwood – Bill Stevenson Outstanding Driver Award Winner
2018 NCWSA Nationals - Outstanding Official: Brittany Greenwood
Brittany Greenwood – Phil Chase Outstanding Official Award Winner

Individual awards were given to Best Crash, presented by Chief Announcer Curtis Williams. Siani Oliver was officially recognized for tying the collegiate record. Scott and Brittany Greenwood were awarded for Outstanding Driver and Outstanding Official respectively. As the #NCWSASpirit Award was announced, the 3-day event came to a close. We couldn’t have done it without the aid of our sponsors and long-time supporters: Connelly Skis, MasterCraft Boats, Dolphin Wetsuits, Bennett’s Ski School, HO Sports, Masterline Ropes, and Eagle Wetsuits.

Winners

2018 Officials Awards

  • Bill Stevenson Outstanding Driver Award – Scott Greenwood
  • Phil Chase Outstanding Official Award – Brittany Greenwood

2018 Classic Crash Award – Evan Marcus, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

  • Honorable Mentions
    • Christian Foresee, Western Washington University (D1 Jump)
    • Matt Coelho, Western Washington University (D1 Slalom)
    • California State University, Chico for crashing Nationals after just missing out on a wildcard entry bid.

2018 Best Social Media Post or Hashtag Use at NCWSA Nationals (T-Shirts)

HO Sports 2018 NCWSA Spirit Award – Texas A&M

Division 2 – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Division 1 – the University of Louisiana at Monroe (29th title)

Missed some of the action?

All of the Connelly Skis 2018 NCWSA Nationals has been listed on YouTube, and can be viewed directly on our dedicated Connelly Skis 2018 NCWSA Nationals webcast page.

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Molly Voska

NCWSA Marketing Chairwoman since spring 2017 | 2022 TL Cornfest Corn Queen | Alumna & former social director of Western Michigan Waterski | #TeamMidwest