The Ski Nuts of Paducah, KY would like to offer free practice for Southern Region skiers that are bound for the 2011 Nationals.

To arrange sets contact:
• Joe Burkhead 270-210-7075
• Bob Harris 270-210-5391
• Pat Coomes 270-929-8433

Published: Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 12:30 a.m.

Southern Region Ski Tournament: Pain Doesn't Deter Dees From Wins

Published: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 10:51 p.m.

MULBERRY | Back pain and impending surgery couldn't keep longtime skier Frankie Dees away from the water.

EVENT INFO

What: Southern Region ski tournament.
Schedule: Action resumes today at 8 a.m.
Where: Ski Paradise, Mulberry.
Results: www.awsasouth.org.

After many years of dedicated service to the Southern Region and the Tournament Seeding Committee, Gary Pressley has asked to pass on his committee responsibilities to another. Gary had volunteered to stay on to help me out this first year as EVP until we could find a replacement and recently we have found somebody to step into his shoes. He has asked that we make a quick transition so I have appointed Kirby Whetsel to the Tournament Seeding Committee. I want to thank Gary for his many years of excellent service. I know we will be missing his notes that come out every Wednesday to those Scorers and Tournament Directors who have just closed out the Scorebooks from the past weekend. Gary will be helping Kirby in the transition.

SCORERS - Effective immediately please send all your reports and scorebooks to Kirby Whetsel at kwhetsel@charter.net

On behalf of the Southern Region, I want to thank Gary for his dedication, knowledge and support over the many years you have held this post.

Thanks very much for all the thoughts and prayers offered in my behalf. I consider you all as my extended family. Some of the finest people I know come from this group of NC Water skiers.

The major symptoms of ALS came upon me suddenly. In early May I was able to do most everything. Ironically, the first indication that my muscles were weak was the first time I tried to ski this season. I also noticed my walking was strange and I had some lower back pain. I tried a chiropractor but in the initial exam one of the questions was “Did I have any muscle twitches?” By this time the majority of my muscles in my arms and legs were in a constant twitch. I was advised to see a neurologist. In the meantime I began my own internet search. Needless to say the first and foremost disease related to this was ALS. When I did see the neurologist, he tried to encourage me by indicating there are several other lesser diseases that have similar symptoms. After the more extensive tests were performed, he was worried it was ALS. He referred me to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where they did their independent exams plus had a MRI and breathing test to analyze. They are doing extensive blood testing to rule out any infectious diseases that have similar symptoms, but their conclusion was that it was 99% sure it was ALS. I more than likely have had it for about a year when I first noticed my left arm twitching.

There is far more that they don’t know about his disease than they know. What I do know is that I believe there is a reason for everything. We do not know right now what this has in store for us. But regardless, I am at peace with what ever the Lord’s will is for the outcome. I believe that I could be completely restored or the disease could run it’s normal course. Either way I am content. I want the Lord to be glorified in whichever path it takes. If one person, anywhere, were to receive Christ as a result of my having this, then that would be worth the cost. I firmly believe that God is looking at how we deal with the things that occur in our lives. I also have a deeper sense that it is imperative that we need to have our spiritual lives in order, since things can change in an instant.

On a happier note, this is a big week in the Pressley family. Our daughter, Melissa is getting married on Saturday and this week is going to be a joyous one. I am glad now I did not waste money on dance lessons.

AWSA Nationals' Boat Draw Announced

The American Water Ski Association has announced the boat draw for the 69th GOODE Water Ski National Championships. The Nationals will be held Aug. 7-13 at Waters Edge Estates in Wilmington, Ill.
2011 AWSA Nationals' Boat Draw
Slalom
MasterCraft: G1, G2, W1, W4, M1, M3, M6, OM

Correct Craft: G3, W3, W7-11, OW, B2, M2, M4

Malibu: W2, W5, W6, B1, B3, M5, M7-11, MM
Jumping
MasterCraft: G2, W5, OW, M1, M4, M6-11

Correct Craft: G3, W1, W2, W4, B2, M2, MM

Malibu: W3, W6-11, B3, M3, M5, OM
The boats used in the 2011 Southern Region Championships events, will be the same as those assigned to each event at the 2011 AWSA Nationals.

The Southern Regional Championships are just a month away.
Volunteer Judges are Needed and Welcome!
If you are working on becoming a senior, need credits, or just want to help out, please send me an email.
Please include:
Rating
Events you want to judge
Day & Times you are available

2011 U.S. Elite Water Ski Team Selected

USA Water Ski is pleased to announce the selection of the 2011 U.S. Elite Water Ski Team. The six-member team, selected by the American Water Ski Association's International Activities Committee, will compete in the 32nd Water Ski World Championships, July 18-24, in Dubna, Russia.
Athletes selected to the 2011 U.S. Elite Water Ski Team were (alphabetical order): Caroline Hensley (Hixson, Tenn.), Regina Jaquess (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.), Freddy Krueger (Winter Garden, Fla.), Erika Lang (Gilbert, Ariz.), Alex Lauretano (Windermere, Fla.) and Jon Travers (Groveland, Fla.).
Selected to the pool of alternates were (alphabetical order): Danyelle Bennett (Zachary, La.), Lauren Morgan (Odessa, Fla.), Mandy Nightingale (Sapulpa, Okla), Adam Pickos (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.), Storm Selsor (Fremont, Calif.) and Karen Truelove (Winter Garden, Fla.).

The team members and alternates were selected based on a performance criteria established the International Activities Committee and approved by the American Water Ski Association board of directors.

Mike Meek (Albany, Ohio) is the coach of the U.S. Elite Team and Frank Harrison (Rancho Mirage, Calif.) is the captain.

The United States, which has won 25 world team gold medals, earned the silver medal behind gold-medal winning Canada at the 2009 world championships.

The Southern Regional Water Ski Championships are being held at Ski Paradise in Mulberry, Florida from July 27th through July 30th, 2011. The Southern Regional’s is considered the second largest water ski event in the World.

Ski Paradise is hosting a silent auction to help raise funds for the American Water Ski Educational Foundation (AWSEF). This auction will be finalized on Friday, July 29th at the Silent Auction Booth at 1:00PM.

Donations of items to auction are needed to make this a successful fund raising event for AWSEF. It should be an exciting event and fun for all. Please help us out by donating an auction item. It can be anything from a ski, vest, gloves, rope, jewelry, gift certificates, lessons, skiing posters or memorabilia, etc.

Please mail your donation to AWSEF, 1251 Holy Cow Road, Polk City, Fl 33868. Attention Carole Lowe. Or you can bring your items with you to the Regional’s. A receipt will be mailed for tax purposes as allowed by law. For additional information call AWSEF 863-324-2472 or Charlotte at the number below.

The Fact Sheet and Entry Form for the 2011 Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships are available to download. The 11th annual Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships, a two-round world record capability water ski competition, will be held July 9-10 at Mystic Lakes in Maize, Kan. The deadline to enter is June 20. To download the Fact Sheet and Entry Form, click here (PDF).

The Mystic Lakes Ski Club is serving as the local organizing committee and host of the 2011 Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships. The event will feature Men and Women divisions (ages 17 to 21), in addition to Boys and Girls divisions (ages 16 and under). Nearly 50 of the world's top junior water ski athletes are expected to compete for titles in slalom, tricks, jumping and overall.

There will be a mandatory skiers' meeting at 5 p.m. on July 8 at the Main Pavilion on the North Lake where bibs will be distributed. Tricks lists also will be collected to allow for timelier scoring for spectator appeal. Roll call will be taken at this meeting. Unless the skier is present to sign in, the skier will be scratched and replacements to the running order will be made with no further changes after the conclusion of the mandatory skiers' meeting.
To download the Fact Sheet and Entry Form, click here (PDF). To view the status of skier entries, click here (PDF).

Attention all Safety Directors; We are again are looking for a few good people. The
69th Goode National Water Ski Championships need two full week or 1 full week and two half week or four half week Appointed Safety Directors.

The people taking these appointments will receive their lodging and onsite food and drinks for the time they pick, plus the usual Nationals amenities. The dates and location are August 7th - 13th at Waters Edge, Wilmington, IL. The assigned Safety Directors that take the whole week or the first half week must attend the Officials meeting Saturday night or be on site before the start of the event on Sunday (with permission of the Chief Safety Director). The half week Appointees will work either Sunday to noon Wednesday or noon Wednesday to the end of events on Saturday. We will also be asking for daily volunteers to help with the work load.

If you are going to be at the Nationals and want credit for working a National event, please let us know when you could volunteer. The more help we get, the less time helping will be needed. More doing less is far better than less having to do more. Your contacts for this will be: Darr Leutz (Chief Safety Director darrleutz7@gmail.com / dleutz@msn.com or Jim Babcock (Chair AWSA Safety Committee) lv2wski@charter.net.

Water Skiing has been a part of Ricky McCormick's life for a long time, and he's won many accolades for his feats.
In his career, McCormick has won 11 world titles, 37 national championships and two gold medals in the 1972 Summer Olympics.

McCormick can add another honor to his mantle — Polk County Sports Hall of Fame.
McCormick will be one of five inductees into The Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. Joining McCormick will be former Florida Southern and professional golfer Marco Dawson; multi-sport star and coach JJ Corbett; and former Florida Southern basketball standout Jerry Johnson. In addition to the four inductees, P. Scott Linder will be inducted as a Community Contributor for his work in Polk County.

The ceremony, which will be held June 21 at The Lakeland Center in conjunction with the Polk County All Sports Awards, is a partnership between The Ledger and Polk County Sports Marketing.

My sincere apologies to the Alabama and Georgia Water Ski Federations. Your State records did not get posted in the 2011 Southern Regional Guide. It is important to recognize all record holders performances. You all deserve it – they are posted in the records section.

James Cawthern, Georgia Water Ski Federation Vice President reports that the GWSF website has been completely revamped. Check it out! Send him any information that should be posted in support of AWSA and GWSF, please. Use the “Contact Us” tab in the website to send Jim your information.

The site can be accessed by clicking on Georgia in the state title bar at the top of the page.

Taylor Garcia set a pending Boys 2 Jump record of 136’ 41.4m at the McCormick International Cup. This eclipsed the record of

131’ set by Zack Worden in 2003 at Sunset lakes. This Jump will go down in history as the longest recorded Jump by a Boy

Wayne Grimditch Jumped 134’ at the 1972 Nationals in Seattle in the Boys division, which is now known as Boys 3.

Aliaksei Zharnasek has set a pending World Men Trick record of 12570 at the Trick Jam 3.1. This is better than the current

North Carolina Hosted A Driver's and Judges Clinic May 1

Saturday's Judges and Drivers Clinic at Beaver Lake was a success. There was a great turnout for the clinics - drivers and judges

of all ages and abilities. The weather was nice. Practical experiences were shared and instructional videos were shown. Lots of

valuable information was taken away by all of the attendees. Everyone learned something new and new levels were achieved.

Twelve drivers attended and passed the trained drivers written and practical tests. Seven drivers attended the 3 event drivers’

clinic with 2 drivers getting a new rating. Nine judges attended the judge’s portion of the clinic with 1 judge testing for a new

rating. Thank you to Johnny Thomas, Vic Armstrong, Alan Long, Larry Michael and Jerry Hargis for their wonderful

Well, here’s where we’re at as of 6 PM today. Levee is holding well.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that this morning, the Ohio River
crest at Paducah was revised upward by 4 ½ feet – yes, feet (not inches).
We’ve had another 5 inches of rain in the past two days all up and down the
critical areas of the flood plain, and we’re now in a 1,000-yr type of flood
(the predicted crest is 6 feet above the 100-yr flood plain).

Needless to say, we have had to give up and go into salvage mode. We’re
still keeping water pumped out, but we’ll give up on that shortly. The
blessing in all this is that the sand bag levee protected us long enough to
get everything moved from the lower level to safe elevations, thanks once
again to the help of many friends today. We pretty much took everything but
the paint off the walls – appliances, furniture, doors, big screen,
mementos, clothes – everything.

Water will be about 7 feet deep in the lower level if the predicted crest
occurs. Forecast crest will put the water right about the top of the lower
level windows you can see in the picture. But, we still have two good
floors to live on!

Anyway, prayers for all those who have it much, much worse. And prayers of
thanks to all you who have helped us so much over the past week. All of you
are really special people, and we are very blessed to have so many great
friends.

The Travers hosted a junior clinic on April 2-3 for skiers in the Southern Region. 15 junior skiers attended, one from as far away

as North Carolina. The kids got some great instruction from the coaches, the weather was great, and a good time was had by all.

We would like to thank Jack, Lelani, and all the instructors for their hospitality and their continued support of the Southern

Sunset Lakes Ski Club in Groveland, Fla., has announced it is offering a $10,000 cash-prize bonus to athletes who break a world

water ski record at the Masters Last Chance Qualifier, May 20-22, or the Fall Classic, Oct. 1-2. The Ski Nautique 200 will pull both

WORLD RECORD BONUS RULES FOR 2011:
1. BONUS WILL BE PAID ONLY ONCE IN ANY TOURNAMENT FOR THE HIGHEST RECORD BROKEN AND APPROVED by IWWF

DURING AN EVENT: SLALOM, TRICK, JUMP OR OVERALL.

2. BONUS WILL BE PAID WITHIN 30 DAYS OF APPROVAL OF THE RECORD BY THE IWWF TECHNICAL CONTROLLER.

3. ANY ONE RECEIVING THE BONUS WILL BE ISSUED A 1099 AND MUST HAVE A W-9 ON FILE WITH THE OFFICE TO RECEIVE

THEIR BONUS.

4. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SKIER TO INSURE THAT THE OFFICE HAS THE PROPER BANKING INFORMATION

NEEDED TO WIRE, OR POST CHECKS FOR THE BONUS.

If you need additional information, contact Lelani Travers at (352) 429-9027.

U.S. To Host 2012 Pan Am Championships

USA Water Ski is pleased to announce that the Pan American Confederation of the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation has accepted the bid from the Pickos World Ski Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., to host the 2012 Pan American Water Ski Championships.

The biennial event, which will feature athletes and teams from countries in North, Central and South America, is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 10-16, 2012. In addition to team medals, individual medals in slalom, tricks, jumping and overall also will be at stake during the seven-day tournament.

The Pickos World Ski Resort, located less than a half-mile from the Beaches of South Walton along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida, is owned and operated by Cory Pickos, a 24-time world tricks record holder and two-time world tricks champion. The world-class facilities of the Pickos World Ski Resort have been host to the Southern Regional Water Ski Championships, Water Ski National Championships, U.S Open Water Ski Championships, Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships and the 2000 Pan American Water Ski Championships. In addition, 13 world records have been set at the site since 1990.

At the 2010 Pan American Water Ski Championships in San Bernardo, Chile, all six U.S water ski teams – Elite, Under 21, Junior, Under 13, Veteran 1 and Veteran 2 – earned medals. Athletes on the six U.S. teams combined to win 67 individual medals, including 26 of a possible 48 gold medals.

Based on the selection criteria, 24 athletes have been named as Southern Region Junior Development Water Ski Team members. We have also named 5 alternates for the team. Congratulations to everyone for their hard work and dedication to the sport!

2011 Southern Regional Guide

The 2011 Southern Regional Guide has been mailed and should be reaching your mail box any day now. Everything is shaping up for a great summer of water skiing competition.

2011 Junior Water Ski Teams Selected

Top junior water ski athletes from across the nation have been selected to the National Junior Water Ski Team and the National Junior Development Water Ski Team for 2011. The 36 selections, decided upon by the American Water Ski Association's Junior Development Committee and International Activities Committee, are based upon tournament performances during the 2010 tournament season.

Based on the selection criteria, the top-12 athletes are named as National Junior Water Ski Team members, while the remaining 24 are named to the National Junior Development Water Ski Team. The teams will not compete in any international tournaments, but they may train together.

Selected to the 2011 National Junior Water Ski Team were: Steven Brooks (Canyon Lake, Calif.), Briant Detty (Danville, Ind.), Makayla Haw (San Mateo, Calif.), Kevin Malak (Justin, Texas), Haywood McDonald (Fayetteville, N.C.), Elizabeth Montavon (Dixon, Ill.), Lauren Morgan (Odessa, Fla.), Brittany Greenwood (Little Rock, Ark.), Samuel Greenwood (Little Rock, Ark.), Erika Lang (Gilbert, Ariz.), Alston Roberson (Cartersville, Ga.) and K.C. Wilson (Winter Springs, Fla.).

To down load the qualifications and procedures for the National Junior Team, click here (PDF).

Selected to the 2011 National Junior Development Water Ski Team were: Julianna Boskus (Elkins, Ark.), Krista Butterfield (Sherman, Texas), Christian DeVito (San Diego, Calif.), Daniel Di Pol (Covington, La.), Taylor Garcia (Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.), Anna Gay (Winter Garden, Fla.), Abbi Grathwohl (McQueeney, Texas), Joshua Kelley (Bowling Green, Ky.), Nicholas Lang (Gilbert, Ariz.), Kara MacIntyre (Knoxville, Tenn.), Zachary MacIntyre (Knoxville, Tenn.), Cole McCormick (Dundee, Fla.), Mason Mechler (Milford, Ohio), William Montavon (Dixon, Ill.), Jenna Morgan (Odessa, Fla.), Jaye Morris (San Diego, Calif.), Nick Newton (Hot Springs, Ark.), Zane Nicholson (Gallatin, Tenn.), Hughston Norton (Stateline, Nev.), Dustin Peterson (Rosharon, Texas), Alexis Pickos (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.), James Voisard (Winter Haven, Fla.), Nikki Waitt (Clermont, Fla.) and Kat Warner (Dallas, Texas).

To download the qualifications and procedures for the National Junior Development Team, click here (PDF).

Posted by: usaws
On: 01/05/2011 12:20:42

The Qualifications and Procedures for respective 2011 U.S. Water Ski Teams are now available to download. U.S. Water Ski Teams competing in 2011 include Under 13 (Can Am Challenge), Junior (Can Am Challenge), Under 21 (Under 21 Worlds), Elite (Elite Worlds) and Pan American Games (revised Jan. 11, 2011).

Read all of Q&Ps Posted For 2011 Water Ski Teams

The annual midwinter meeting of the Southern Region Council and membership was held January 8 in Atlanta at the Doubletree hotel.

The Council and membership worked on the business of the Southern Region and reviewed the complete Board packet that contains the proposals from all of the AWSA Committees for the coming year and made their recommendations to the Directors. A review of the meeting highlights will be posted in the next few days on the website.

Make your plans early for hotel reservations for the 2011 Nationals in Wilmington, IL

Jeff Surdej, the tournament Chair for the 2011 National Water Ski tournament in Wilmington, IL, has informed us that due to a big race event in town August 12-14, 2011 we had to move host hotels although there are still some rooms available there. We also have rooms blocked at 8 hotels instead of 3 but we only have 20-30 rooms at each one. Luckily all the hotels are close by each other. This is all we could pull off, we are lucky to have gotten what we did. So we highly suggest to book early as this race is going to be battling us for rooms. Click here to view the list of hotels with group codes, rates, and release dates. They are all good hotels and very similar in size and amenities. USA-WS Membership Changes Take Effect In 2011

I attended the recent meeting of our IAC at HQ this past weekend, and there
are a few important changes forthcoming. I thought that it was important to
get this information out to our membership earlier than usual. Please spread
the word.

Christopher Travers (Groveland, Fla.), has been selected USA Water Ski’s 2010 National Coach of the Year.

Travers was the coach of the U.S. Junior Water Ski Team, which won the gold medal at the biennial Junior Water Ski World Championships in San Gervasio, Italy. In addition, three U.S. Junior Water Ski Team members combined to win five individual medals.

Chris was selected for the award by USA Water Ski's Awards Committee, and is now eligible to receive the United States Olympic Committee's Coach of the Year award.

AWSA Honors Athletes, Volunteers

Posted by: usaws
On: 11/02/2010 11:34:20

The American Water Ski Association has announced that Ham Wallace and Regina Jaquess have been named the organization's 2010 Male Athlete of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year, respectively.

Read all of AWSA Honors Athletes, Volunteers

IWWF Approves Jaquess' World Record

The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation's Tournament Council has approved the pending world slalom record of 1-1/2 buoys at 41 feet off set by U.S. athlete Regina Jaquess at the 2010 Eddie Green Open on Oct. 24 at Lake Louis in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. The score eclipses the world record of 1-1/4 buoys at 41 feet off that Jaquess set on Oct. 23.

Jaquess set the world record of 1-1/4 buoys at 41 feet off at the 2010 Red Bar Belgian Cup on Oct. 23 at Shortline Lakes in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Jaquess (7/30/2009), U.S. athlete Kristi Overton-Johnson (9/14/1996) and Australia's Karina Nowlan (9/21/2008) shared the world record with a score of 1 buoy at 41 feet off until Jaquess’ score of 1-1/4 buoys at 41 feet off was approved by the IWWF.

Many years back a Junior Development secret weapon was crafted by some of the most delicate dental tools. The “Fly Boy” winged helmet was carried to both Regional and National events bringing support to our Southern Regional skiers and especially the State in which the Helmet resides. For 3 years now Kentucky and Tennessee have battled for its possession. Again, this year the helmet will go up for Auction at the Jr. Development Banquet. We need more States to get involved in the bidding process. Tradition has been that the highest bid gets possession of the winged helmet for one year provided they bring it back to the Regional’s. The KEEPER of the helmet also gets to paint it as they wish showing their efforts in contributing to the Junior Development cause. Please organize your groups to bring in the maximum bids for the Junior Development Auction.

The Southern Region has partnered with 413 Strengthgear to raise funds for Junior Development. 413 Strengthgear is bringing a “New Approach to Water Ski Lifestyle Apparel and Merchandise” through its 413 H2O collection. Gone are heavy t-shirts with large block letters and in are cool, hip, lightweight, stylish apparel. Get your new hoodies and shirts supporting Southern Region Juniors. Also check out our Sassy Fabulous, Christian, and 413 Camp collections. Click on the link below (coming soon) and use promo code SRJD09 to help our juniors continue to be the best in the nation and world!

(If your camp or ski school would like to become an affiliate of www.413sga.com and expand your customized merchandise, contact Brenda Baldwin at Brenda@413sga.com.)

Send your comments, news articles and pictures to webmaster@awsasouth.org so that we can publish "all the news that is the news" to our fellow 3 event skiers.