Lakers are Back on the Horse After the Allentucky Waterbowl

Allentucky Waterbowl 2019 Champs

The first weekend of collegiate water skiing is over for several Michigan schools and one Indiana school. Six universities from neighboring areas drove in for the Allentucky Waterbowl which was hosted by Grand Valley State University in Conklin, Michigan. Every single participant skied their heart out, but at the end GVSU hopped back on the horse and took the top spot, placing 1st. Closely behind GV was Michigan State University followed by the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, University of Notre Dame, and Central Michigan University. 

The tournament started off with a brief delay due to fog across the water but B Slalom quickly moved across the lake. The fog lifted to a beautiful fall day as a hot air balloon rose in the distance. Men’s A slalom kicked off after B team, and with an impressive score of 3 @ 36-28 Jake Markusic (MSU) took the top spot, 2nd place was Will Moyer (ND) with a score of 3.5 @ 34-22, and taking 3rd was Jason Gulbis (GVSU) with a score of 3 @ 34-22. After the Men slayed some buoys, Women’s A slalom started up. Rachael Anderson (GVSU) took 1st in Women’s A slalom with 2 @ 32-22, Anj Wening (WMU) placed 2nd with 2.5 @ 32-15, and Celia Lake (GVSU) took 3rd place with a score of 2 @ 32-15.

Once the slalom events ended trick started up with Women’s A Trick getting tricky first. Taking the top 2 spots were University of Michigan skiers, 1st place was Margaret Becker (UM) with 410 points and 2nd place was Sonja Konzen (UM) with 360 points. We had a tie for 3rd place! Celia Lake (GVSU) and Anj Werning (WMU) each earned 330 points. Men’s A Trick moved down the lake next with Will Moyer (ND) snatching 1st with 660 points followed closely by Chris McGinnis (MSU) with 650 points and Matthew Hubbard (GVSU) took 3rd with 590 points. When A Trick was finished B team skiers stepped up to the dock to take their sets.

It was great to see so many new trick skiers at the first tournament of the season! With Saturday passes moving quick, B team jumpers were able to hit Big Red and fly with their fingers crossed for a land. It was very exciting to see many new teammates from multiple schools go out and jump!

Sunday morning started off a little chilly with an 8:00 am start on the lake. Women’s A jump headed out first and Sonja Konzen (UM) jumped a solid 62 feet capturing 1st place. Celia Lake (GVSU) flew 50 feet (15.20 meters) taking 2nd, and Anj Werning was right behind with a land of 50 feet (15.10 meters). Next up was Men’s A jump where Chris McGinnis (MSU) landed the top spot with a jump of 80 feet. 2nd place was taken by Will Moyer (ND) with a jump of 71 feet, and 3rd was snatched up by Kevin Pelczynski (MSU) with a jump of 64 feet.

There were many successful lands, and as the jumpers headed back towards shore their teammates rounded the edge of the lake showing their support for a successful land, and for those who are a part of the ski world know what that celebration looks like. Once all A team jumpers finished, B team jumpers were able to hit the water to finish off any passes that were not completed the night before. 

Congratulations to our Women’s overall podium spots; 1st was Sonja Konzen (UM), tied for 2nd was Celia Lake (GVSU) and Anj Werning (WMU).

Congratulations to our Men’s overall podium spots; 1st was Will Moyer (UD, 2nd was Chris McGinnis (MSU), 3rd was Matt Hubbard (GVSU).

Big shout out to GVSU parents for helping out with the concession table, and Action Water Sports for being a tournament sponsor! Great job to all the skiers who attended the Allentucky Waterbowl 2019, and good luck at your next fall tournament!

Combined Team Results

Full tournament results can be found in the Scorebook on USA Water Ski & Wake Sport’s website.

PlaceNameSlalomTrickJumpTotal
1Grand Valley State University1123,125.0
2Michigan State University2313,120.0
3University of Michigan3232,575.0
4Western Michigan University4451,875.0
5University of Notre Dame5541,450.0
6Central Michigan University66690.0

Taylor Dutcher

Team President and Captain for Grand Valley State University's Waterski and Wakeboard Team, proud Laker and 3-event skier!