Kansas State University - The Royal Purple Yearbook

“d e d i c a t d the limits am pushes the body b e x p e r i e n i o n ater warriors Golden rays sparkled across the water as the sun began to rise. Suddenly, the roar of a boat engine shattered the silence as a skier emerged from the water. " I like to begin skiing at 6:30 a.m., " Travis Teichmann, ski team vice president and senior in construction science, said. " The recreational skiers are not around and it is quieter and easier to practice. " Most members had never competed before joining the team, Travis Pape, ski team president and senior in milling science and management, said. " Most of them were recreational skiers, " Pape said. " I would say probably about 80 percent. " Inexperienced team members learned skills during practice. " There is a misconception about the ski team, " Lori Wendling, ski team vice president and senior in pre-occupational therapy, said. " We learn while we are practicing with the team. " Dedication made the difference between recreational skiers and the 25-member team. " The recreational skier will ski as his body allows him to ski, " Fred Gibbs, ski team adviser, said. " The competitive skier has to have correct position and form, and they have to make their body go how the course is set. " During the summer individuals accumulated points at tournaments that counted toward team points at regional and state events, Teichmann said. The University, funded trips to regional and state team meets, but members paid their own entry fees for other competitions. Regardless of whether they competed in jump, trick or slalom events, team members shared a love for the sport. " Skiing is the best competitive sport, " Teichmann said. " It is a serious sport that I give 110 percent to. " by Maria Sherrill 1 -Water Ski Team- ”