The Austin Ski Club graciously allowed CAWSC to hold the drawing for this year’s fundraising raffle at the Texas State Championship BBQ after the awards presentation Saturday evening. The board had been selling tickets for weeks and Ron volunteered to handle last-minute sales and coordinate the drawing. After stirring up the contents, one of our junior skiers selected a ticket from the bowl full of stubs held well above his head and read the winner: Ron Ives. A chorus of hoots and howls arose from the crowd of at least 75 people. I was among them. All in fun, I was completely faking my displeasure that one of the board had won (it could have been me) much less the raffle coordinator. I am certain that everyone present was doing the same thing.
But, Ron was taken aback and, apparently, heard some not-so-nice comments about his winning. After a minute or so he decided that he should not accept the prize and insisted another name be drawn. When he announced that, the same people who were feigning their displeasure moments ago began yelling “No, no, no!” And, I was among them.
I was actually delighted that someone who has put so much into this club over the years had won. What a strange and righteous twist of fate. I spoke with Ron on Sunday about the drawing and let him know that I felt he was absolutely entitled to the prize he had won fair and square. He said he had given it more thought and had pretty much come to the same conclusion. He also said he would likely take the option of goods and services over the new Radar. He wants to get more equipment he and Kathy can use in their ski clinics!
If you’ve been under a rock for awhile you may not know that Ron and Kathy frequently give of their time and resources to teach people how to ski or ski better. And, Ron has recently been trying to re-jigger his commitments so he can spend more time at this activity. So, it is completely in character that Ron would consider converting his winnings to benefit his students. It appears the fruits of this raffle will touch many people over the coming years.
So, let there be no doubt. Ron Ives is the winner! And, so are we all.
CAWSC Contributes to An Amazing Charity and Event
Posted on: June 25, 2010 | By: Peter Catalano
Special thanks goes out to everyone with Capital Area Water Ski Club for their contribution and support of a very special water event this past week.
Entitled "Skiin with the Galilean", several members of CAWSC brought out their boats, equipment and love to share with foster care and special needs kids for three days! The board of CAWSC generously donated $200 to the event as well. This was money raised in last year's raffle drawing.
The best way to describe the event is to share stories from three days of the event:
On Tuesday:
One 14 year old boy was chomping at the bit to get in a tube and was hoping the driver would whip him around. This young man is wheel chair confined. Bright as they come and yet trapped in a body that is restricting his life. He rode the tube all afternoon!
Today we had a family on the boat I crewed whose 13 year old son had a brain injury 3 years ago. He is now confined to a wheel chair and is not able to speak. His legs are locked outward and he has little to no motor function over the rest of his body. This was the first time he was out on a boat in years. His mother was by his side the whole time. His father was able to take a tube ride with the 2 younger sisters. the whole family had a day on lake Austin they never imagined. I saw him smile. I witnessed him trying to use his voice. I witnessed a boy, who because of a tragic accident in a hot tub at the age of ten, experience some joy even though he is trapped in a body that is not responding.
Wednesday: Today we had a mom and two of three foster kids. The oldest boy is 7 and rode another boat. As the mom was climbing into the boat, she was holding a 2 year old baby. She tried to set him down, but he was having none of that. Being near mom was first and foremost the priority. (This of course I can relate to as my son Anthony is very tied to mom!) She had a 4 year old girl with us as well.
What shocked me was that she received these three kids into her and her husband's care Tuesday night! She was also a mother of 4 biological children! They are hoping to adopt these three children.
See, CPS was called out to the parents of the foster kids home several times over the past few years, but for some reason could not take action. This time however was different.
The parents thought it was a good idea on Sunday to e-mail photo's to their friends. Photo's of their 7 year boy tied to a tree with his hand and feet duck taped - crying. Luckily, one of the recipients was smart enough to forward to CPS who visited the home Monday with a Sheriff. Upon arrival, a 19 year old girl - who no one is sure why she was there - figured the police were there to see all the photo's, which she gladly shared and even e-mailed to the sheriff.
The parents asked if they could be arrested for this.
The 2 year old boy, after a short while, he even smiled and laughed while I was playing with him on the boat.
The middle girl laughed and played on the tube today.
And the oldest boy? He got up on a ski's and tubed today. At dinner he was laughing, smiling and going for seconds!
Today 90 foster care families got to have some fun playing on Lake Austin knowing they are special and very well loved. I can only hope that the 2 year old I got to meet today sleeps well at night, peaceful in the home of his loving foster parents.
Today we had 24 boats, each with 2 person crews. A kitchen staff of about 25. And a land activities staff of about 15. As volunteer events go, this has to be one of the best I have attended. Again, you all helped make a huge impact and a difference in the lives of children, parents and volunteers.
Thursday: We had three young men and mom on the boat I crewed Thursday. The older boy, Roger, stated he will not be getting in the water. He did not even walk in the foot of water from shore to the boat! After seeing the two younger one's ride the tube and attempt to wakeboard, he got up and said 'I'm going in!" He rode from Hula Hut to Emma Long Park on the tube.
Regretfully, the boat exhibited problem with oil pressure. Quickly we heard the valves tapping! So, we were towed to the ramp and then we dropped the boat at Sail N Ski. Our boating ended at lunch. Luckily our family was able to hop on other boats for the remainder of the day.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Raffle last year and to the Board for generously donating the $200 to this wonderful event.
If interested in participating next year, let me know and I will make sure you are on the "in the know" list.
In the meantime, please know that your purchase of the raffle ticket helped make literally hundreds of children experience some joy in their lives, if only for one day!
Peter
Raffle Tickets Available NOW!
Posted on: June 16, 2010 | By: Peter Catalano
Hello Everyone,
CAWSC again will be offering a great opportunity to win a new Radar Ski with bindings OR up to $900 of merchandize or services from Sail N Ski.
Tickets are $20 each and available up to the draw date at the Texas State Tournament. You can contact any board member for a ticket or simply purchase at the tournaments.
For more info on Radar's Annex ski, check out this video: Radar Annex
The famous Steak and Lobster series tournaments will be at Austin Aquaplex this year. These are two separate tournaments the same weekend. S&L Part 1, slalom and trick, is Saturday June 19. Details here.
S&L Part 2, slalom only, is Sunday June 20. Details here.
Janet and Jeran have decided to postpone the Frame Switch Water Celebration Tournament originally scheduled for Saturday June 12th. Thankfully, its not for lack of water! Stay tuned for the new date.
Its Kickoff Time again! This marks the beginning of the Capital Area Summer Series (CASS) ski season. The tournament will be Saturday 5/22 at Austin Aquaplex. Events not completed Saturday will take place Sunday.
Tournament entry rates are: One Class C event $50, 2 or 3 events $55. Novice(Grass Roots) $40 one event, $45 2 events. There is no Novice jump event. CASS Juniors (CAWSC members ages 1-18) $10 1-3 events Collegiate skiers half off. Discounts: Asst Officials $5, Reg and Senior Officials $10.
Late fee $10. Your complete entry (including entry form, release form and payment) must be received by 5/14.
Get other tournament details and print entry here.
The spring General Membership Meeting is a great opportunity to connect with friends new and old and get ready for the new ski season. It will be held 6:30pm Friday March 26, 2010 at the Brick Oven Arboretum 10710 Research Blvd. on the west side of 183 and south of Braker Lane (near HEB closer to Jollyville Rd). Pizza and non-alcoholic drinks are compliments of CAWSC to paid up members.
Some agenda items: 2010 Budget and Plan Memberships Ski Events Junior Development Update Tournament Schedule Free CASS Tour tournament entry drawings for paid up members
If you can’t make the meeting and want to be eligible for the drawing please print an application from the website and mail it with your dues payments to CAWSC, P.O. Box 8, McNeil, TX 78651.
So we may plan accordingly, please let me know if you are coming.
The Austin Boat Show begins Thursday January 14th and runs through Sunday January 17th. CAWSC will again host a booth staffed by loyal club members. We'll be renewing memberships, signing up new members, selling T-shrits and promoting the sport of water skiing here in Central Texas.
Please drop by booth #815 for the latest info on the 2010 season. We've got lots of activities planned for this year and the CASS schedule is looking good. The drought has passed and we're headed for another great season of water skiing!
Mark your calendars! All club members are invited to the 2009 end-of-season awards party. It will take place at Austin's Park 'n Pizza on Sunday, November 22nd from 3:00p to 5:00p in room #1. We'll enjoy the buffet and then present awards. If you are interested in amusements you need only pay the difference between the general admission and one of the other rates.
So that we may plan accordingly, please let me know if you will be there.
The Capital Area Water Ski Club's CASS Finals has been re-scheduled for Saturday 9/26 at San Marcos River Ranch. This will be a three event tournament on two lakes with Class C, Novice and mini-course. The action will be fast a furious. We're hoping for a big turnout to celebrate the end of what has been a very challenging ski season here in Central Texas.
CASS rules allow for scores from the CASS Finals Tournament to count twice toward end-of-season awards if you have met the Minimum Score Requirement (MSR).
Please get your entries in early. Complete entries consist of an entry form, a release form and payment for each participant. Incomplete entries will be considered late.
Central Texas Drought 2009 - Updated Pics!
Posted on: August 15, 2009 | By: Webmaster
We are experiencing the worst drought in years. Many of our ski lakes are in dire situations. Click here to learn more.
New - Pics from Aquaplex, Frame Switch, Guadalupe Ski Plex
Amazing Raffle Thanks to Sail & Ski!
Posted on: May 14, 2009 | By: Peter Catalano, EVP
Hello folks,
The folks at Sail & Ski have generously made available a Radar Annex Tournament Ski with hard shell boots and bindings for raffle!
However, if you are not interested in the ski, Sail & Ski will exchange the ski for up to $900 of products from their store.
This is a great offer. Either a fantastic ski or products from the store! Need parts for your boat? How about new ropes? Maybe a new vest? Dare I say a wakeboard (as a gift of course)?
We are selling raffle tickets at the tournaments and board meetings (all are welcome) for $20 per ticket. Yep - $20 per ticket. Please note, only 100 tickets will be sold. So buy your tickets early before they run out.
We will draw the winner at the Texas State Championships at San Marcos River Ranch on July 18th. You need not be present to win, but you do need to be present to buy the ticket!
As a member benefit CAWSC has arranged for discounts of 5% to 15% on insurance from Liberty Mutual. Liberty is the 5th largest property and casualty insurer in the United States and can insure your home, car, boat recreational vehicle and more.
Contact Darrin Glenn for quotes at 512 -258-1267, ext. 56244 or email him at Darrin.Glenn@LibertyMutual.com.
We had an excellent turnout for the General Membership meeting this year at the Brick Oven. And, unlike previous meetings, we had a very diverse group of skiers with everything from national level competitors to recreational skiers including a great group of skiers from the Austin Waterski Meetup (http://www.meetup.com/waterskiaustin/).
Congrats to the winners of our traditional drawing for a free CASS tournament entry: CASS Kickoff @ Aquaplex – Jody Hooten Janet’s Birthday Bash @ Frame Switch – Shayne Brown Steak and Lobster II @ Aquaplex – Theo Freund Texas State @ Aquaplex – Renada Markiewicz San Marcos River Ranch – Nick Williams CASS Finals @ Frame Switch – Valerie Mitchell
Thanks to Austin Aquaplex, Frame Switch Ski Lakes, Austin Ski Club and San Marcos River Ranch for their free entry donations.
Water Skier Magazine Notes CAWSC Juniors
Posted on: January 03, 2009 | By: Mark Zuzanek, President
The September 2008 issue of USA Water Ski's "Water Skier" magazine contains a "Go Figure" column that says "28 junior water ski athletes from the Capital Area Water Ski Club of Austin, Texas, that have attended in either a clinic, ski school or tournament in 2008."
We pride ourselves on our work with the juniors and its nice to be recognized. Its also interesting to be noted because it tells us we are doing more with junior skiers than most if not all other USA Water Ski clubs.
CAWSC will again host a number of clinics for juniors in 2009. And, our CASS tournament format continues to encourage juniors and novices alike. Stay tuned for to this website for more information as the season progresses.
The 2008 CASS Finals was great! Conditions were near perfect, we had a great crowd and no serious injuries. Slalom started on time at 8:00a and tricks on the second lake at 8:08a. There were 49 total skiers, many skiing multiple events. All three events were completed before 5:00p. Lots of kids skied the mini-course, novice and class C including the Honey Bees chapter of the McQueeney Ski Bees. Several new Novice slalom skiers came out including Shayne Brown and Brian Broussard.
Two of the day’s highlights belong to novice skier Kevin Long who accomplished three passes in slalom and performed a side slide on 2 trick skis - behind the boat! There was a whole lot of jumpin’ goin on with a 148 foot jump by visiting Colorado skier Norman Wenzel, 144 by Jody Hooten and 136 by Jay Eidem. Big trick scores were put up by Kay Nichols who wowed us again with 5290 and Jon Penner with 4520. Both Kay and Jon did toe 720s and little tricker Kat Warner did some big flips. The slalom gods were smiling as Big Dawgs Mike Hamilton got into 39 off and Marc Austin 38 off. Long-time CAWSC driver Ken ‘Buckwheat’ Buchheit passed his senior driver test - as if there was any doubt!
The only disappointment was the complete lack of collegiate team skiers. No Bobcats and no Longhorns showed even though several Longhorns said they were coming.
It takes the efforts of many people to put on an event like this and I want to thank everyone for their contributions large and small that made this tournament such a success.
Special thanks go non-skiers Chief Judge Kathy Ives aka "The JD Lady", Chief Scorer Susan Leach who spent most of her time judging tricks while keeping tabs on scoring, Karl Nordman who was the first man on site in the morning and judged nearly every trick pass, Emil Crow for his Slalom judging (gotta get him skiing again), Announcer Matt Boddick for keeping us entertained all day, Denise Skinner for making sure we were properly fed and Abby Weidman and Ines Forni for their scoring efforts. Thanks to skiers Chief Driver and Safety Ron Ives, Jon Penner for the video jump setup and execution and Floyd McCreight for his dedication to getting the jump set up. Lastly, thanks to the entire Aquaplex crew for making us feel so welcome.
But wait! You can’t have a tournament without towboats and we had the luxury of skiing behind the finest in the world. So, big thanks go to Ken Buchheit and Sail and Ski for the Ski Nautique, Kevin Brown and Central Texas Water Sports for their Malibu, the Hamiltons for their Longhorn style Malibu and The Mears for their “Darth Vader” Master Craft.
Photographer Phillip Fields took 1054 photos. All are available for viewing and purchase at PhotoReflect.com. Whew! What a day!
Ski Bees Steal the Show at SCR Regionals
Posted on: August 09, 2008 | By: Mark Zuzanek, President
Until this year I thought the Ski Bees of Lake McQueeney were a typical water ski club if not a cult of jumpers. We had hosted some of their members over the years at our events, mostly great jumpers like the McFadins, Dwyers and Buchanans. This year they started showing up in swarms.
The littlest Bees, I call them the Honey Bees, have buzzed us at just about every event this season. Nine of them are from three families from 3 years on up that all live on the same cul-de-sac. They slalom, trick and jump like crazy, have a great time and never complain about anything! Then I learned the reason.
They are show skiers! At the 2008 SCR Regionals in Fayettville, Arkansas the Honey Bees, in costume, skied down the lake in a line waving American flags to the tune of the National Anthem.
Now, I've been to Cypress Gardens. I've seen Andy Mapple, Cory Pickos and many other greats water ski. But this totally blew me away. Now I know where these kids get their spirit. Quite simply, the show must go on.
For five decades the Ski Bees have been putting on water ski shows on Lake McQueeney. Their skits range from charming to daring. From the Honey Bees buzzing by waving to the Killer Bees ski jumping off the boathouse. This is one of the best kept secrets in Texas water skiing. Well, maybe not anymore!
Here four of the Honey Bees get ready for their appearance in Fayettville.
Congrats to CAWSC SCR Regionals Winners
Posted on: August 08, 2008 | By: Mark Zuzanek, President
This year's South Central Region Regionals Tournament was held at the Cedar Creek Ski Park near Fayettville, Arkansas. Its a wonderful new venue surrounded by the Ozark foothills. Regionals will again be there in 2009.
Congrats to the CAWSC members who placed for 2008!
One of the things we have been working on this year is to get more people involved with judging, scoring and driving. As our non-skiing spouses already know, this is one way to be involved if you're not a competitive skier.
I want to thank the club members who came out to help put on the Texas State Championships even though they didn't ski. Fran Crea ran an awesome trick dock, read jump meters and the master board. Inez Forni, Denise Skinner and Peter Catalano put in lots of scoring time as did stalwart scoring queen Janet Hooten. If I have missed anyone please speak up!
Our Officials Development Committee Chairperson, Floyd McCreight, has done an awesome job helping folks move through the various requirements to become an official. If this is something you are interested in please contact Floyd or me.
Yesterday was the second water ski meetup of the season at NXNW. We had very friendly group of about 15 people with all types of water ski interests represented. You think you know a lot of water skiers until you find out there's a guy out there who's email address is waterskifreak! Many thanks to Sail and Ski who provided a very nice ski vest and a rope and handle that we gave away in the drawing.
Member Benefit at Ski Doc!
Posted on: May 24, 2008 | By: Peter Catalano, VP
The Pro Shop at the Ski Doc offers at 15% discount to all CAWSC members. Stop by and talk to Scott.
Scott is great at finding just about anything you want. So take advantage of this offer as soon as possible.
Introduction to the Buoys June 8th at GSP
Posted on: May 24, 2008 | By: Peter Catalano, VP
On June 8th at Guadalupe Ski Plex we will be introducing skiers to the course. Time is 10AM to 3PM.
This is a great opportunity for people to get the "addiction" to the buoys. Cost is $10 per set to help cover the cost of gas.
Join us to help promote slalom skiing in Central Texas.
CAWSC's JD Clinics will be Saturday 5/31 at Frame Switch Ski Lakes and Saturday 6/21 at Aquaplex. The clinics are opportunities for kids to get one on one water ski instruction on dedicated ski lakes. For details and reservations please call Ron and Kathy Ives at 244-9721 after 7pm.
Happy Hour at Hula Hut on May 1st!
Posted on: April 08, 2008 | By: Peter Catalano
Drop by Hula Hut on May 1st starting at 5PM to enjoy some social time with other skiing enthusiasts.
Kevin Brown from Central Texas Water Sports will have a big 16 passenger Malibu to take a cruise on lake Austin around 6:30. Bring a life vest if you want to take a ride!
This is a great opportunity to share your skiing experience. Maybe something you say will cause someone to check out a tournament or get hooked on the buoys.
I've just now come out the pizza coma I went into on March 28th at our General Membership Meeting! As I recall we had a real cool time... 33 people showed up including several brand new members and many of the usual suspects. We ate sixteen large pizzas (yep, count 'em...16) and gave away 7 free CASS tournament entries. The winners were:
CASS Kickoff - Todd Leach Janet's Bday Bash - Gary Forni Steak & Lobster Part 1 - Peter Catalano Steak & Lobster Part 2 - Robin Layton TX State Champs - Mike Hamilton Guadalupe Saturday Slalom - Robert O-Connor CASS Finals - Ann Hamilton
Special thanks go to Frame Switch Ski Lakes, Austin Aquaplex, The Austin Ski Club and Guadalupe Ski Plex for their generous entry donations. And, thanks to everyone who got current on their dues and purchased our awesome CAWSC 20th Anniversay Tshirts. We still have plenty so make sure to get yours at the CASS Kickoff Saturday May 10th. Its only four weeks away!
Some of you know I sometimes refer to WaterSki magazine as SlalomSki magazine. But, our club got a nice mention in the article "10 Best Places to Ski and Live" in the current issue.So, I may have to make nice for awhile. They even covered a couple of trick skiers...;>)
CAWSC has a rich history in competitive water skiing and our commitment remains. In addition, this season CAWSC is making a concerted effort to attract recreational skier members.
We know that there are lots of folks out there who want to become better skiers. CAWSC can help by providing the community and support to make that happen. And, provide the opportunity to ski behind a tournament class tow boat and ski a real slalom course.
We're planning at least three events on private ski lakes where recreational skiers can experience the real thing. The goal is simply to have a fun water skiing experience. We're also planning some extra social events.
To help everyone stay connected select "Talk Water Skiing" on our new website. Use the message board to find new ski partners, sell used gear or yak about that new ski you just fell in love with! There's also a members only section.
And, you'll meet some real nice folks who love to ski just like you!
2008 marks the 20th Anniversary of CAWSC. To commemorate the occasion we've created a special high quality shirt with outstanding new graphics.
Since Austin is the center of the capital area we've included some familiar icons. If you've ever driven over the 360 bridge and seen people skiing or skied under the bridge and seen people driving you'll know what we're talking about!
Help us celebrate our 20th anniversary and water skiing in central Texas by wearing one of these great shirts. They're available for $15 at our booth at the Austin Boat Show. Ladies and kids styles too!
