Water Ski Club Recognized as USA Water Ski Collegiate Team of the Year

LAKELAND, Fla. – The University of Arkansas Water Ski Club was named the USA Water Ski Collegiate Team of the Year for 2016.

The Water Ski Club was recognized at the annual USA Water Ski awards banquet alongside peers from other universities who are members of the National Collegiate Water Ski Association, which is the sport's governing body. The Collegiate Team of the Year award is granted to the team who demonstrated excellence both on and off the water in the previous year.

In the past year, the club has doubled its membership, competed in all three regional tournaments, and qualified for Nationals during the South-Central Conference Regionals in Katy, TX for the first time in the club's 30-year history. While at Nationals, the club finished 11th in Division II overall, with club member Nick Newton placing second overall and winning first place in the trick event. The team has also hosted a number of fundraisers, recruiting nights, and the regional winter conference in February. The club continues to expand its operations, and hopes to host its first tournament in the fall.

"Receiving this award was a huge honor," said Madison Hayden, President of the Water Ski Club. "In the past, the award has been given to national champions such as the University of Louisiana - Lafayette and the University of Louisiana - Monroe, so it's outstanding to be recognized in this way."

About the University of Arkansas Water Ski Club: The University of Arkansas Water Ski Club has 20 active members and competes in 3-Event Collegiate Skiing, which includes slalom, trick, and jump. Those interested in joining can contact the club directly at waterski@uark.edu.