7th Annual Ken Ruis Memorial Ski Club Challenge

August 24, 25 1996

The 1996 Ken Ruis Memorial Club Challenge got off to a delayed start on Saturday due to rain. The downpours continued intermittantly throughout the day, but could not dampen the spirits of the competitors. Conditions on the back lake remained good in spite of the weather, and some excellent performances (Greg Sund (M3) ran 3 at -39 behind Pat Regan) were achieved. Fortunately the storms cleared in late afternoon, and the annual on-site banquet and party were only slightly delayed.

Sunday morning brought beautiful weather. The previous day's storms had caused a 4 inch rise in the level of the lakes overnight but thanks to the 10-1 sloped banks on the new lake, and careful attention to boat paths by the drivers, good slalom conditions were maintained.

The main attraction on Sunday was the jump lake, and B3 was the hot division. Oliver Loeffler backed up a first round 140' with a second round 139' to place second. With the wind slack, sun high, and Peter Bell at the wheel, Dana Hinman (B3) sailed 163 feet off the 5.5 foot ramp to place first.

The ski club challenge scoring remained tight until the last event with Avon Old Farms Skiers successfully defending their title against strong challenges from Twin Lakes, Upper Chesapeake, and Long Island Ski Clubs. Long Island made their strongest showing yet with 14 members competing.

Every season the Twin Lakes Waterski Club hosts the Ken Ruis Memorial Ski Club Challenge. This is a traditional 2 round, Class C, 3 event waterski tournament AND a post-Nationals, end of season, competition and social event for area Waterski Clubs.

The club challenge is based on all 3 events. Individual scores of Ski Club Members entered in the tournament are used to determine the Club Challenge Champion. The winning waterski club gets:

Any AWSA affiliated Ski Club may enter.
AWSA competitive members who are not affiliated with a ski club are also welcome.