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ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - Achieving their highest ever at national competition, the Lake City Skiers placed second Sunday at the 2005 Division II National Show Ski tournament in Rock Island, Ill.
The team's show director, Jakim Wilson, also won for best male performer and the judges' sportmanship award. In individual competition Saturday, Tracey Patrick earned first place in swivel ski competition.
Jakim said, "I had a feeling we were going to be in the top three. I knew we were going to to be in the top. Second was totally awesome. Our goal was to improve over the last year and the last two years, we placed sixth."
"It was a very entertaining show with different disciplines of show ski acts," said Andy Snow, one of the judges, after the tournament. When asked what the team was best at, Snow said, "I would honestly have to say their pyramids. Their pyramids shined throughout the show and their costumes stood out to the judges."
Tournament assistant safety director Tom Bentley said, "I've watched this team grow since day one. I think they did great. I've watched them for many, many years and I think it's one of the best shows I've seen them ski."
Tournament announcer Kevin Wirfs said, "It was wonderful. ... While this is a sport, it is an entertaining show, good comedy." He also said, "There is no end to what these guys can do."
Third place went to Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team with 1,496 points; Lake City Skiers earned 1,580 points; and first place winners were Brown's Lake Aquaducks, Wis., with 1,779 points.
The Lake City Skiers felt good about their show.
"I think we did our best and everybody worked as a team," said Steve Wilson.
"I think it was one of our best shows. It was a good show. We didn't have too many falls," said Matt Barr.
Cassie Santamaria said, "I think the show went really well, even in the hot sun. Our team really pulled together and we're getting a lot closer."
"I've never seen our team pull together and realize we're not individuals," said Ginger Shriver. "We're a team like we were today."
"I think it was one of our better shows," said Chuck McLaughlin. "We had a few more falls than I'd like to see," but he said they had lots of energy, the showmanship was good and the show was good.
Highlights of the tournament show, members of the team agreed, was the final pyramid, the dancing, how well everyone on the team worked together, and John Conley's performance as Sheriff Roscoe. The team's theme this year is "The Dukes of Hazard."
The success the team worked for will help the team in the future, members said.
"This year we were more prepared for this competition than in our history," said Tracey Patrick. If they keep the same core group together, she said they will know what kind of attitude to come back with next year.
Keith Farmer said, "I think just what we've learned about showmanship" this year will help the team prepare next year. He said the team needs to learn from their falls and get over them when they happen, don't let them slow the team down.
"I thought (our show) gives us higher standards and higher expectations for us to do better next year," said Nate Wilson. "It gives us something to strife for - excellence."
LCS club president Randy Patrick said the team had some injuries and illness, so it was great to have Dr. Erin Jungbauer on board. Those who were also injured or sick also toughened it out for the team.
"It says a lot to see people in pain and gritting their teeth, but get through it so they don't let the team down," said Jakim Wilson. Jakim himself cut his heel helping another team right before the LCS' own show. Jungbauer treated it, wrapped it with duct tape and Wilson went on with the show and earned the sportsmanship award for it.
Jakim said he was raised right by his parents - Fred and Sheila Wilson - and helping others is something they taught him to do. He didn't think twice about helping the other team out.
When officials announced Jakim won best male performer of the entire tournament, Jakim said, "When they called my name, my heart was pounding. I was filled with excitement and I was honored to be chosen."
Of earning first place in individual swivel competition, Tracey Patrick said, "That was awesome. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, my husband Randy who was my boat driver, and my sons Caleb and Ty." She also said support from the team also helped.
Wirfs said he'd love to see the LCS host Division II Nationals at their home show ski site at Hidden Lake, Ind. 15, Warsaw, behind Smith Tire. The townspeople of Warsaw are fantastic. "Everyone there was really great," Wirfs said. "If I could do what I do in Chicago in Warsaw, I would move to Warsaw."
For more information about the LCS, visit online at www.lakecityskiers.org
