Buoy Bulletin 2018 - 2019

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OFFICERS

PRESIDENT C U L L E N PA R K E R ‘ 2 O

2018 2019

TREASURER

VICE PRESIDENT

AARON SANDER ‘2O

BEN PURCELL ‘2O

TEAM CAPTAIN

SECRETARY

KRISTA BUTTERFIELD ‘ 21

HANNAH COOK ‘2O

Team meetings are held every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Student Rec Center room 281.

@tamu_waterski

@tamuwaterski

@tamu_waterski

https://maroonlink.tamu.edu/ organization/waterskiclub

NEWS FROM THE NEW I began my college journey a semester later than most of my peers did. I came to Texas A&M expecting to do a lot of fun things, but I never thought I would be a part of collegiate water skiing.

The first week of school in January of 2018, I heard about the MSC Open House. As I walked around the MSC, a sign that said “water skiing” caught my eye. The adventurous side of me immediately thought this was 100% the coolest thing I could be a part of in college.

I didn’t end up joining the team until the fall. But, being a part of a team who encourages people of all skill levels to come and be a part of what they do has encouraged me in many ways.

There is something special about being a part of the water ski community. It is more than your skill level or your knowledge of the sport. It is about supporting and challenging each other in all that we do. Not only have I grown as a skier, but I have also made new friends and grown spiritually and mentally all while being a part of this redass team of people who have as much love for the water as I do.

LINDSEY THOMPSON ‘21

After a long break from the life of water skiing, I decided to get back into the sport and join the Texas A&M Water Ski Team. Joining the water ski team was one of the best decisions that I made in college. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t join.

I learned to water ski when I was two years old but took a long intermission from shredding.

After I went out to the lake for the first time, I knew I wanted to be a part of this great team.

Through my past year on the team, I have met some of my best friends that will be with me through college and beyond.

This is one of the best things about the team, not to mention being able to get a lot better at skiing. Going to ski tournaments on the weekends was my favorite thing that I have been able to do with the team this year. For the tournaments, we get to travel to different lakes around the state and country to compete with our best friends. Each one is unique and a great experience.

I am looking forward to finishing my college career while being part of such a great team.

JOHNATHAN PRESSLER ‘21

FRESHMEN F I S H

A R E

F R I E N D S

N O T

F O O D

CAMERON MITCHELL ‘22 I heard of the Texas A&M Water Ski Team while I was touring the campus in May during my senior year of high school. At the time, I was uncertain if I even wanted to go to college at Texas A&M. Since I lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I was not sure if I wanted to go to somewhere so far away at a place where I would not know anyone.

Later that summer, I decided to go to Texas A&M because of its amazing engineering school and the water ski club. I found out about the club through both of my parents who graduated from Texas A&M. Neither of them skied for Texas A&M, but they had heard about it while they were at school. As soon as I arrived, I went to the lake and paid my dues for the semester. I quickly learned how friendly and inviting the people in the club were. They all wanted to get to know me and my past experience with skiing. I had only skied for fun on open, public lakes on the weekends with my family. Previously, I never had an opportunity to ski through a slalom course.

It took me a while to break all of my bad skiing habits, like using my backfoot to turn, to be able to run the course for the first time. But once I got the hang of it, I just wanted to be at the lake all the time and try to get even better.

Since then I have improved dramatically and have found a group of friends that I will never forget. If it was not for the Texas A&M Water Ski Club and the people in it, I would not be enjoying college this much!

SAMI HESS ‘22 During high school I was a bit lost on where I wanted to attend college. During my senior year, I was invited by some team members to visit Texas A&M. After that, I was sold on coming to A&M and joining the most amazing team I could ever dream of being a part of.

Being on the team this year has made the transition to college easier than I could have imagined. I am surrounded by the most incredible people who have become my second family on and off the water.

Waterskiing has always been a huge part of my life. Being able to find a group of people in college with the same love and passion has been so much fun. I would not trade this team for anything.

I am so passionate about this team that I decided to run for secretary. Now that I am an officer on the team, I am excited to contribute and continue to make this team a family for incoming freshmen.

CHASE WILSON ‘22 Ever since I got up on a pair of skis when I was four years old, water skiing has been a big part of my life. Being on the lake with friends and family became the place where I felt most at home, but I had never considered skiing competitively.

When I first got to Texas A&M I wasn’t 100% sure if it was the right place for me. But, during the first week of class, I discovered the TAMU Water Ski Team and met the people who I would share so many memories with. They quickly became some of my best friends.

Looking back on it now, I don’t think I could have survived this past year without the opportunity to get away from campus and do something I love with an amazing group of people.

I am truly grateful to have found the water ski team, and I can’t wait to see what the next year of skiing brings.

B R I T TA N Y PA N N E T O N ‘ 2 2 Before even stepping foot on the Texas A&M University campus, I knew I wanted to be a part of the TAMU Water Ski Team. My parents met on the team in 1987, and my Godfather, Brian, was also a member.

Thanks to my family, I have grown up on the water. I have competed in many tournaments all over the country, but I did not know how fun a ski tournament could be until I joined the team here at Texas A&M! The tournaments we compete in are always a blast. Getting to travel to different states is a fun filled adventure!

I loved getting to represent A&M on the water and compete against different schools across the country.

The best part is getting to hang out at the lake and ski with an amazing group of people. My teammates have impacted my life in such a huge way and they have really helped me adjust from high school to college. I was welcomed with open arms and have made so many new friends with relationships that will last a lifetime!

Joining the Texas A&M Water Ski Team was the best decision I have ever made and I cannot wait to be a part of it for the next three years.

KYL E B E A I R D ‘ 2 2 Having grown up around a family of water skiers, I have always loved a good day at the lake. Although, as high school student, I couldn’t help but wonder if those days would end upon going to college. Luckily, I stumbled upon the TAMU Water Ski Instagram page during my junior year of high school and my sights were set.

Without knowing anything about it or anyone on the team, I knew it was the place for me. Fortunately, I couldn’t have been more right.

I joined the team during the first week of class and instantly clicked with the people who were at the lake that day. From that moment on, I have spent countless hours at the lake between class, taken trips across the country, and made some of my most cherished memories with this team.

The members of this club are some of the most accepting and reliable people I’ve met to date. As a freshman, it’s beyond reassuring to know that someone is always there to help me when I need it the most. Joining this family was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made going into college. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter will look like for this team!

SARAH SRIRAM ‘22 Before coming to Texas A&M University as a freshman, I began to contemplate joining several clubs and organizations that I thought would help me find my place in such a large university. My mom grew up water skiing from the age of five, and later on skied competitively for Baylor University. My aunt also skied from a very early age and is proud to say that she was a member of Fightin’ Texas Aggie Water Ski Team.

Inspired by both of these amazing women in my life, I sought to keep the family legacy going. Prior to joining the Texas A&M Water Ski Team, I could only ski on two skis, and had yet to successfully slalom. Now, after the receiving amazing support and instruction from my fellow teammates, I can trick ski, slalom, and I have even completed my first jump at my very first tournament!

The Texas A&M Water Ski Team is the most welcoming group of individuals I know. Diverse in personality, interest, and skill level, we all work as a cohesive unit to follow our passions behind a boat. Lord’s Lake has filled my first year of college with so many treasured memories, and for this I will forever be grateful.

WIL HRBACEK ‘22 Before coming to Texas A&M, I had never been behind a boat. Although I knew about the water ski team, I really didn’t have any intentions of joining. At the MSC Open House, I ran into a couple of team members who convinced me to come to the recruitment meeting despite my lack of skiing experience.

I was hesitant about going to the meeting. But, looking back, I am confident that going to the meeting was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. At the meeting, I remember seeing the chemistry that this team had together. I decided I that I wanted to be a part of it. I have never met a more loving and accepting group of people.

Over my first semester, these team members quickly became my best friends. I have also learned tons about skiing. This team has presented me with opportunities I never would have dreamed of. I am now working on running the slalom course, and I have come a long way since my first time out at the lake. Also, through the team, I have been presented with the opportunity to work as a water ski instructor in California. I never would have thought that my decision to go to the first recruitment meeting would have such a positive impact on my life.

F U N I N T H E FA L L H O G WI L D | B AYO U C L A S S I C | R E G I O N A L S | N AT I O N A L S

The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Water Ski Team started the 2018 Fall tournament season with a wet and wild weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The annual Hog Wild tournament was aptly named with the Aggies bringing their usual redass spirit and skiing their hearts out despite the pouring rain and mosquitos.

Soon after, the South Central Regional tournament was underway. Texas A&M brought their A-game to the beautiful Lakes of Katy. For the second year in a row, the Aggies clinched a Division 1 spot and were on the road to their best Nationals performance in the team’s history!

One f reshman, Kyle Beaird, unintentionally created a fourth event in water skiing when he accidentally sent it off the ramp on his slalom ski. That weekend was a signal for the ridiculous fun of the tournaments yet to come.

I have been on this team for three years, and I can def initively say that collegiate w a t e r s k i t o u r n a m e n t s are my favorite collegiate experiences. When I came to Texas A&M, I had no idea I would be immersed in such a fun community of individuals dedicated to growing and continuing this great sport. I have gained a group of lifelong f riends, and I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish this next year and those to come.

One short week later, the Aggies rolled into Monroe for some fun on the challenging bayou.

Energy was high along with the temperatures as a record turnout of skiers for Texas A&M shredded their way through the waves and trees.

-Ben Purcell ‘20

N A T I O N A L S SAN

MARCOS

RIVER

RANCH

-

MARTINDALE,

TEXAS

Last October, we competed

and it is also the tournament

We are ecstatic to announce

in the 2018 Collegiate Water

that shows how much we are

that, with a 6th place f inish,

Ski National Championships

improving f rom year to year.

we were the number one

in San Marcos, Texas. This is by far the most competitive tournament of the year, where we compete against 23 other teams f rom all around the nation. This is the tournament we work all year to succeed at,

Our team has never been as successful as we were this last season. We placed 6th in Division 1, which was an improvement f rom the year before where we placed 7th in Division 1.

team out of every school in the nation that doesn’t give scholarships to skiers. This was our goal since I was a f reshman at Texas A&M, and I’m so proud of our team to hold that title. We hope to

eventually be a school that is

get snubbed two years in a

We are constantly promoting

able to give scholarships to

row, so we got rowdy, proud,

the team, whether it be in

our skiers in the future, which

and loud and took home the

the offseason or during the

is why every donation is so

Spirit Award f rom San Marcos

season.

important to us.

last October.

At the 2017 nationals, we were

Winning this award shows

and all of our members are

robbed of the Collegiate Spirit

that we are more than a team

extremely

Award, with a second-place

that is full of talented skiers. It

where we go f rom here. I want

f inish. The Spirit Award is

shows that we are a team that

to thank all of our ski f riends

given to a team that shows the

truly cares about each other

and ski family for the support

most passion for their team

and our success. This was a

in advance. We cannot wait

and gives the most support

nationals that we will never

to keep you updated on all of

to their skiers on the water.

forget and I am so thankful

our future success.

There was no way the Fightin’

for my ski family that I will

Texas Aggies were going to

have for the rest of my life.

Our team is still improving, excited

to

see

-RYAN BRIDGFORD ‘20

S E N I O R S K I E R S Wo r d s f r o m t h e w i s e . . .

Water skiing has always been a big part of my life.

Growing up skiing my whole life, I started to lose interest and purpose in skiing. When I got to college, I joined the Aggie Ski Team right away.

Everyone was so friendly and they all thought it was really cool that I grew up skiing. From there on out, I was excited to go to the lake, attend tournaments, and even just hang out with the team.

My passion for skiing came back and has made me excited to ski again. It has also encouraged me to goof off and learn to have fun while skiing and not just be serious all the time. My time in college will always be remembered by all the memories I made with the Texas A&M Water Ski Team.

JADE “MARLEY” HANSON ‘18

Joining the Texas A&M Water Ski Team was one of the best decisions I have ever made as a college student. Growing up, I always enjoyed being outside. When I was walking around the MSC Open House the beginning of my f reshman year, I saw what I thought was a sweet boat parked in the courtyard.

I immediately went over to talk to the people standing around the boat.

The next thing I knew, I was a part of the water ski team.

The team to me is like a second family. We have all skill levels, and every individual is treated the same even if their skill levels are completely different.

The water ski team brought me in to their community and welcomed me with open arms. I can call or text anyone on the team and tell them that I had a rough day or that I’m bored, and in the next 10 minutes, we are on our way to the lake.

The lake for me is more than just a place to train. It is an escape f rom the real world. It is a place where I can disconnect f rom technology and enjoy the sport that I love with the people I love.

Being one of the oldest members on the team, I have seen it grow and change, and better itself every year. I am excited to know that even though I am graduating, I will always have a home with the team.

TOPHER RZASNICKI ‘18

REPORTS FROM THE TREASURER I had the superb pleasure of serving as treasurer for the Texas A&M Water Ski Team these past two years. We were able to accomplish a ton this year, predominately with the purchase of a brand new 2020 Nautique 200 and a new equipment trailer. I want to give a huge shout out to Dockside Marine in Conroe, Texas, for all their help and the sponsorship that they give us every year for our new boat. Also, I am happy to announce that for the first time in many, many years, the team is on the brink of being debt free. This is thanks to the help of generous contributions from people like you.

As I am sure you know, we also placed the best at nationals out of any non-scholarship school this past year in San Marcos, Texas. The Fightin’ Texas Aggies plan on defending their best non-scholarship school title next year in Sacramento, California, but will need help from people like you to get the team there. As always, thank you so much for all you do for the team. Gig ‘em, Ags! -Aaron Sander ‘20

A M E S S AG E F R O M THE SECRETARY The Texas A&M Water Ski Team isn’t just a group of kids who get their sets in at the lake and head back to their homes or school to do their own thing. In fact, that is not the case at all.

One of the most common compliments that we receive from others is how close of a family we are. I believe that this is why our team is so unique. We study together, we go to football games together, we get dinner together, we hang out with each other, and most importantly, we ski together.

I have seen so many wonderful relationships blossom out of this team. When I joined the team as a freshman, I didn’t know how any of the three events worked. Running a slalom course, trick skiing, and jumping were all foreign concepts to me. But, with the help and encouragement of my teammates, I have learned new skills that I never thought I would learn.

I feel like the majority of our team was in this position when they joined. Most of us did not grow up skiing competitively, which is another reason why our team is so unique. By teaching each other new skills, we are not only building up a competitive team. We are building relationships and bonding as a family.

Being secretary for the team was the most enlightening and rewarding experiences. I got to capture some of the greatest moments of each team member and share it with the rest of our community on social media.

Our community includes alumni, friends, family, and teams from other schools who advocate for us as a team. I believe that these people, who are external to our team, are just as important as our own team members because they have enhanced each tournament experience from all the love and support we receive from them.

To say that this team holds a special place in my heart would be an understatement. I have learned so much about myself and about water skiing in these past three years. I cannot wait to continue this trend in my last

A LETTER FROM Howdy f riends of the Texas A&M Water Ski Team, I would like to begin by saying thank you for being a part of our Fightin’ Texas Aggie water ski family. Without your help, we would not be able to continue our passion for spreading the sport of water skiing to more aggies every year and rising to the top of the rankings list as a Division 1 program.

Looking back on this year, I cannot help but think how great of a year this has been for our team.

We have made so many improvements in the past year, all thanks to your support. Last spring, we sold our 2018 Ski Nautique 200, which we had for a year. We were able to purchase a brand new 2018 Mastercraft Prostar. We have already found a buyer for the Mastercraft, and we have ordered a 2020 Nautique 200, which is set to be delivered in May. This is all thanks to Dockside Marine of Conroe, who sponsors our team and makes it

attainable to purchase a brand-new boat every spring.

Most importantly, our team as a whole has made huge improvements this season. At the National Championships in October, we placed 6th in Division 1, claiming the title as the top nonscholarship school in the nation! Last year, we placed 7th at nationals, so we made it our goal to take 6th this year. To my knowledge, this was the f irst time our team has ever placed in the top 6 in Division 1 at nationals. Our team performed extremely well, with our men’s slalom team all skiing into 22’ off or shorter, and our women’s jump team all landing jumps. I am so proud of our team for everyone’s hard work. It shows with us quickly rising to the top of the rankings list and becoming one of the top water ski teams in the entire nation.

We were also excited to f inally win the HO

THE PRESIDENT Spirit Award at this year’s nationals. We f inished runner-up last year, so we brought our best Aggie spirit this year. The team came out full force with tons of flags and decorations, along with most of our team members dyeing their hair or beards maroon. Most importantly, Ben Purcell, our vice president, led our team in Aggie yells while every skier was on the water.

Last year, we made it our goal to purchase a team trailer by the end of the fall season. The Alabama Water Ski Team generously sold us their old trailer, which was still in fantastic shape and already outf itted with shelves for skis. It is a huge upgrade for our future tournament travel, and we are excited to get to use it for the coming seasons.

Seeing this team grow over the past two years has been a huge honor. I am also conf ident that we have much more potential as a group of dedicated athletes who are passionate for our sport. One big

thing that our club is currently in need of is funding for our team to get to nationals next fall. We have our sights set on taking 5th place in Division 1 at nationals in Sacramento, California in the fall. A big challenge will be getting our entire team to California, along with all of our equipment, since the tournament is so far away this year. With your help, we hope to cover everyone’s plane tickets and ski baggage fees so that our entire team can make it to nationals and cement our legacy as a top f ive collegiate ski team.

Again, thank you for being a part of our organization as we continue to grow and spread the sport of water skiing to dedicated individuals. We could not do it without your help! Your assistance and support has truly made a difference for our club as we continue to rise to the top as a collegiate ski team.

-Cullen Parker ‘20

BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF SKIERS The Aggie Waterski Team at Texas A&M University embodies a dynamic group of diverse people who all share a common love for a sport. Water Skiing is a sport that allows people of all skill levels to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Being a part of a group that is so inclusive and encouraging has made such a positive impact on every member’s life.

Our club encourages and challenges students to break through the deep water of new beginnings and stand solid together through the wakes of college. Each person that becomes a part of our water ski community becomes a part of an ever growing and forever loving waterski family.

This sport that we all love so dearly provides so many athletic and self-growth opportunities to everyone.

Our team excels at building a community. We are a community of Aggies, athletes, scholars, musicians, and friends. We believe that here at Texas A&M, the community isn’t complete without the 12th man. The Aggie Water Ski Team carries this same belief and tradition.

When you go to size your bindings or boot for your ski, every little inch makes an impact and difference on your performance. Without every inch being there, a perfect pass is impossible. Every detail is valuable when it comes to making something perfect. Every member is what makes our team special.

Every member of our ski family brings something unique to the table for us all to learn and grow from. Each year, more and more aggies become a part of the collegiate water skiing community. Each year, the water ski community gets a little sweeter because of them.

As a team and family, we are all thankful for not only the opportunity to ski, but for life-lasting friendships, people, and memories because of some crazy kids who love the life on the water.

Caroline Rains ‘22

POLAR BEAR

The Polar Bear Classic is the annual tournament hosted by the Texas A&M Water Ski Team for the South Central Region. It is the first tournament of the spring semester, and it definitely lived up to its name this year, as temperatures were in the low 50s.

For the past few years, the tournament has been hosted in Conroe, Texas, at the Stevenson Ski Ranch.

It is a beautiful site and perfect for collegiate skiing.

This year, on March 30th and 31st, we hosted the 44th annual Polar Bear Classic. We had a total of 91 skiers and 214 pulls in those 2 days.

To round off a full day of skiing on Saturday, everyone huddled around the bonfire to warm up while enjoying s’mores.

Everyone on our team was able to pitch in and help with one of the best run collegiate tournaments that many of the officials said they had ever been a part of. Everything went smoothly, including running concessions, switching out buoys for each event, and making sure the officials had water.

Everyone on the team eagerly contributed to make this tournament a success. The site, the people you get to meet and hang out with f rom our team and other teams, and the uplifting atmosphere always makes for a great Polar Bear Classic and is by far one of the best collegiate tournaments out there.

-Krista Butterfield ‘21

created by Rachel Gawlik