Congratulations to our 2022 Award Recipients
Congratulations Braeson Schacher
2022 WSWA Developing Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Megan Pelkey
2022 WSWA Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Bruce Dodd
2022 WSWA Male Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Paige Humphrey
2022 WSWA Wake Developing Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Hayden Becker
2022 WSWA Wake Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Max Chugg
2022 WSWA Wake Male Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Jeff Bonham
2022 WSWA Official of the Year
Congratulations Brad Cowley
2022 WSWA Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to our 2021 Award Recipients
Congratulations Shae O’Brien
2021 WSWA Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Dorien Llewellyn
2021 WSWA Male Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Colby Perschon
2021 WSWA Wake Developing Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Keegan Hodgson
2021 WSWA Wake Male Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Morgan Bateman
2021 WSWA Wake Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Carly Bonham
2021 WSWA Developing Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Suzanne Velcic
2021 WSWA Official of the Year
Congratulations Rae-Lee Colcleugh
2021 WSWA Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to our 2019 Award Recipients
Congratulations Evan Hudson
2019 WSWA Male Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Jo-Anne Moore
2019 WSWA Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Nate Hankel
2019 WSWA Developing Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Nicole Hudson
2019 WSWA Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Suzanne Velcic
2019 WSWA Official of the Year
Congratulations Dan Velcic
2019 WSWA Builder
Congratulations to our 2018 Award Recipients
Congratulations Sean Kraus
2018 WSWA Male Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Bailey Rush
2018 WSWA Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Shae O'Brien
2018 WSWA Female Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Megan Pelkey
2018 WSWA Developing Athlete of the Year
Congratulations Tanya & Jeff Bonham
2018 WSWA Volunteers of the Year
Congratulations Zachary Moore
2018 WSWA Official of the Year
Congratulations Russ Dickson
2018 WSWA Builder of the Year
Congratulations to our 2017 Award Recipients
Congratulations Russ Dickson
2017 WSWA Official of the Year
Russ has been described as selflessly giving of himself as an official all summer. He has been the Chief Boat Driver at the John Higgins Memorial, the Western Water Ski Championships, the Alberta Water Ski Provincials, and the Canadian National Water Ski Championships. He is involved at all levels. He also served as an official at the Hot Summer Nights, Canadian Open and Chuck Moore tournaments. You can always count on Russ to judge if he is not already in the Boat – especially in Trick calling; one of the hardest disciplines to find capable judges for. Russ recruits and trains new drivers and does it all without even competing at the tournaments..
Congratulations Dan and Suzanne Velcic
2017 WSWA Volunteers of Year
We received two nominations in this category this year but it was for the same people demonstrating just exactly how worthy they are of this recognition. This year we will be award a Joint Volunteer of the Year award. Dan and Suzanne Velcic are founding members of the Predator Bay Water Ski Club. They are tireless and giving volunteers. They see what needs to be done and move forward to accomplish the tasks and responsibilities without needing to be asked. They are also visionaries and have the ability to dream a dream about a Water Skiing event and make it a reality. They go above and beyond and never ask for anything in return. They are described as being extremely gracious and humble when recognized by others. This season they took on leadership roles in delivering the Hot Summer Nights Class C tournaments and Chairing the 2017 Nautique Canadian Water Ski Championships hosted at Predator Bay. Outside of acting as Tournament Chairs our recipients may also be found at the Board table, or officiating at tournaments across the province.
Congratulations to Rick & Marsha Alsip
2017 WSWA Builders of the Year
This award is described as being presented to an outstanding water sport enthusiast or enthusiasts that has made significant contributions to the sport. This year’s recipients, Rick and Marsha Alsip, are credited for the creation and development of a club that in its 20 years of operation has hosted 4 National Water Ski Championships, 2 Western Canadian Water Ski Championships, 3 Pro-Shoot Outs and perhaps most notably the 2009 World Water Ski Championships. The following statement was included in the nomination letter and speaks volumes to the type of people this year’s recipients are: They never asked or wanted to be given credit for any of the club’s accomplishments yet they always worked to make the site amazing and helping the Predator Bay Water Ski Club host some of the most successful events in the nation. They are true builders. They have built one of the best sites not only in Alberta but in the world. Time to celebrate their hard work.
Congratulations Lily Anderson
2017 WSWA Female Athlete of the Year
A member of the Provincial Wake Team, Lily has been described as having a positive attitude and being a role model within the community. Everywhere she went seemed to turn into medals this year. Results from the season include but are not limited to 1st at the Wizard Lake stop of the Wake Tour, 1st at the Wake Shredder Throwdown in California, 1st at BC Battle of the Wake, 1st at the Supreme Northwest Wakesurf Open, 1st at the Alberta Wake Provincials securing the Alberta Wake Series Title for Outlaw Female and 1st place at the Koocanusa Wake Surf Challenge; 1st place at the Canadian Wake Surf National Championships and 2nd place at the USA Wake Surf National Championships. Lily just recently placed 1st in Outlaw Surf at the World Wake Surf Championships in Kelowna. On top of collecting medals the recipient is an honour roll student and leaves a positive vibe wherever she goes.
Congratulations to Mats Anderson & Evan Kraus
2017 WSWA Developing Athletes of the Year
This year we will be recognizing two athletes in this category. Both are Provincial Team Members. Our first recipient, Mats Anderson, competes in what many consider the toughest division in the CWSA (Competitive Wake Surf Association). He had an outstanding season collecting medals almost everywhere he went. His accomplishments this season include (but are not limited to) 1st at the Wizard Lake Wake Stop, finalist at the Wake Shredder Throwdown CWSA competition in California; 1st at the Pine Lake stop; 2nd at the Alberta Wake Provincials to secure title of Alberta Wake Series Champion in Men’s Amateur Wake Surf. Mats is currently ranked 12th overall on the CWSA and just recently competed at the World Wake Surf Championships in Kelowna.
Congratulations to Mats Anderson & Evan Kraus
2017 WSWA Developing Athletes of the Year
Our second recipient in this category, Evan Kraus, has also had an incredible year of training and development. Evan was able to grow his trick score this year from his previous personal best of just over 1200 points to 3080 points. He also increased his slalom PB by seven buoys, more than one whole pass, and increased his jump score by 15 feet. He has shown continued dedication and commitment this year which earned him a nomination to the 2017 U14 Can Am Team representing Canada in the US.
Congratulations to our 2016 Award Recipients
We received 18 nominations this year, and all nominees were excellent choices.
The selection committee had to make some tough decisions!
We are pleased to announce the 2016 winners.
Volunteer of the Year: Jeffrey Blanchard
This award is presented to an outstanding Alberta volunteer to recognize their contributions to the sport across the province in the last year. Volunteers from all disciplines will be considered. Please include details of volunteer hours, events, and roles in the nomination form.
Official of the Year: Sherry Richardson
This award is presented to an outstanding Alberta official to recognize their officiating efforts in the province, nationally, and internationally in the last year. Officials from all disciplines will be considered.
Male Athlete of the Year: Cody Wahl
This award is presented to an outstanding male athlete from Alberta that has shown commitment, discipline and had significant personal achievements in the last year. Athletes from any towed water sport will be considered.
Female Athletes of the Year: Jo-Anne Moore, & Julie Vasselin
This award is presented to an outstanding female athlete from Alberta that has shown commitment, discipline and had significant personal achievements in the last year. Athletes from any towed water sport will be considered.
Developing Athletes of the Year: Carly Fyke, & Joseph Gurr
This award is presented to an outstanding athlete (male or female) from Alberta that has shown significant personal achievements or improvement in the past year. Athletes at any stage of development and from any discipline will be considered.
Builder of the Year: Ken Nelson
This award is presented to an outstanding water sport enthusiast, volunteer, or participant (male or female) from Alberta that has shown significant contributions to the sport. Their efforts have helped grow towed water sports in Alberta and will have a lasting impact within the community. They will have demonstrated their ability to be an ambassador for the sport and a role model for other enthusiasts. Please include details of benchmarks, achievements, and exceptional outcomes from their efforts in the nomination. Please note that achievements outside of the last 12 months will be considered and should be included in the nomination. This award may be given to any current or past member of WSWA.
Congratulations to our 2015 Award Recipients
Volunteer of the Year: Sherry Richardson
This award is presented to an outstanding Alberta volunteer to recognize their contributions to the sport across the province in the last year. Volunteers from all disciplines will be considered. Please include details of volunteer hours, events, and roles in the nomination form.
Official of the Year: Jeffrey Blanchard
This award is presented to an outstanding Alberta official to recognize their officiating efforts in the province, nationally, and internationally in the last year. Officials from all disciplines will be considered.
Male Athlete of the Year: Colden Thompson
This award is presented to an outstanding male athlete from Alberta that has shown commitment, discipline and had significant personal achievements in the last year. Athletes from any towed water sport will be considered.
Female Athlete of the Year: Geneva Roach
This award is presented to an outstanding female athlete from Alberta that has shown commitment, discipline and had significant personal achievements in the last year. Athletes from any towed water sport will be considered.
Developing Athletes of the Year: Dagen Duczek & Ryder Duczek
This award is presented to an outstanding athlete (male or female) from Alberta that has shown significant personal achievements or improvement in the past year. Athletes at any stage of development and from any discipline will be considered.
Builder of the Year: Jo-Anne Moore
This award is presented to an outstanding water sport enthusiast, volunteer, or participant (male or female) from Alberta that has shown significant contributions to the sport. Their efforts have helped grow towed water sports in Alberta and will have a lasting impact within the community. They will have demonstrated their ability to be an ambassador for the sport and a role model for other enthusiasts. Please include details of benchmarks, achievements, and exceptional outcomes from their efforts in the nomination. Please note that achievements outside of the last 12 months will be considered and should be included in the nomination. This award may be given to any current or past member of WSWA.