Caroline Bryant & Joseph Stanziani
Editor-in-Chief & Staff Writer
Sept. 14 marked the first Florida Southern College Water ski tournament against Rollins College at Jack Tavers Waterski School in Groveland. Florida Southern placed first place overall, with a total score of 1,265. The Tars came in second place with a total score of 855.
The women’s team was the most successful, conquering all three events to take first 535-185. Junior Olivia Chute secured first with a score of 93.50 for 70 points in the Slalom, followed by junior duo Sierra Klinchuch and Aaliyah Yoong Hanifan tying for second.
Chute and Yoong Hanifah swapped places in the Trick, with Yoong Hanifan securing first scoring 4580 and 80 points, as Chute tied for second Rollins skier Hannah Stopnicki. Yoong Hanifan then grabbed first again in the Jump, flying 136 ft. for 40 points. Klinchuch took second with 30 points. The two were named top women skiers overall.
The men’s team split into “A team” and “B team,” both coming out on top.
The men’s A team captured first overall 730-670 after a tough battle with the Tars. Rollins secured the Slalom and the Trick, but the Mocs were able to hold their own at the end in the Jump. Freshman Chase Sparks was the highest scoring the Jump at 167, earning 90 points to aid a Mocs win in the event 280-160.
The Mocs lost the Slalom by only 20 points (250-270), with senior Johnny Horwood as the highest scoring Moc to capture third, scoring 105. Horwood also secured fourth in the Trick, right behind junior Vicente Tizza at 2,860.
Senior Trey Snell helped the men’s “B team” win 200-120, taking first in the Trick and Jump for 140 total points. He was named top male skier out of both “B teams.” Freshman Ty Meeker earned first in the Slalom, scoring 104.5 for 60 points.
Being Sparks, Meeker and other freshmen’s college debut, many felt excited to showcase their skills at one of the top collegiate water ski programs in the country.
“The location of the school, it’s like, center of the waterski world…” Sparks said.
With eager young talent and returning skiers, Coach Curtis Rabes hopes to place around the top 5 in this year’s collegiate championship. Their next opportunity to reach Rabe’s goal will be the SAC Regional Championship on Sept. 27-29 in Talking Rock, Georgia.
