List of members of the Water Ski Hall of Fame facts for kids

The USA Water Ski organization started a special place called a Hall of Fame in 1982. It's like a museum that celebrates the greatest people in water skiing! Today, it's part of the Water Ski Experience Hall of Fame and Museum located in Polk City, Florida. This Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, and others who have made water skiing awesome.

Becoming a Water Ski Legend

The Water Ski Hall of Fame recognizes people who have done amazing things in the sport. This includes incredible athletes who won many competitions, as well as people who helped water skiing grow and become more popular. When someone is inducted, it means their hard work and dedication to water skiing are being celebrated forever.

The First Stars: 1980s Inductees

The very first group of water ski legends was inducted in 1982. These pioneers helped shape the sport we know today.

• Willa Cook, from DeLeon Springs, Florida, was one of the first people honored. Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]
• Ralph Samuelson, who is sadly no longer with us, is known as the inventor of water skiing! Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]
• Dick Pope Sr., also deceased, was a huge promoter of water skiing.
• Chuck Stearns, from Huntington Beach, California, was another early inductee. Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]
• Dan B. Hains, deceased. Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]
• Charles R. Sligh, deceased. Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]
• Liz Allan Reid, from Godfrey, Illinois, was also among the first group. Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]

More amazing people joined the Hall of Fame in the following years:

• 1983 saw the induction of Jack Anderson from Hewitt, New Jersey, Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!] and others like Pruce Parker and Leland G. Sutherland.
• In 1984, Charles Tilgner, Fred Wiley, and Warren Witherell were honored.
• 1986 included Wayne Grimditch and Barbara Cooper Heddon, both from Florida.
• 1987 brought in Mike Suyderhoud and Joe Cash.
• 1988 celebrated Ricky McCormick from Winter Haven, Florida.
• The decade ended with William D. Clifford and Dick Pope Jr. inducted in 1989.

Continuing the Legacy: 1990s Inductees

The 1990s continued to recognize more incredible talents in water skiing.

• 1990 honored Jack Walker from N. Miami Beach, Florida. Hall of Fame Induction Entry^[Usurped!]
• 1991 saw Linda Leavengood Giddens and George Blair join the ranks.
• In 1992, Stew McDonald and Nancie Rideout Robertson were inducted.
• 1993 included William P. Barlow Jr., Tommy Bartlett, and Cindy Todd.
• 1994 celebrated Al Tyll and Karin Roberge Woodson.
• 1995 brought in Lisa St. John and Larry Penacho.
• 1996 honored Skip Gilkerson.
• 1997 was special, as both C.W. Lowe and Carole Lowe were inducted.
• 1998 recognized Mike Osborn and Alan Kempton.
• The decade closed with Lori Powell-Drell and Jeffry Armstrong in 1999.

New Millennium, New Stars: 2000s Inductees

The 2000s brought a new wave of water ski heroes into the Hall of Fame.

• 2000 saw Deena Brush Mapple and Mike Seipel inducted.
• 2001 honored Sammy Duvall, a well-known name in water skiing.
• 2002 included Mike Avila and Jennifer Calleri-Schwenk.
• 2003 celebrated Camille Duvall-Hero.
• 2004 recognized Tory Baggiano.
• 2005 honored Dave Reinhart.
• 2006 brought in Bob LaPoint and Carl Roberge.
• 2007 inducted Scotty Clack, Britt Larsen-Kovak, and Tawn Larsen-Hahn.
• 2008 saw Marsha Fitzgerald and Kris LaPoint join.
• 2009 honored Lucky Lowe and Lynn Novakofski.

Modern Legends: 2010s and Beyond

The tradition of honoring water ski greats continues into recent years.

• 2010 inducted Darin Shapiro.
• 2011 recognized Debbie Nordblad and Ron Scarpa.
• 2012 celebrated Sherri Slone and Wade Cox.
• 2013 brought in Cory Pickos, Jim Grew, and Kristi Overton-Johnson.
• 2014 honored Cheryl Orloff.
• 2015 inducted Bill Bowness, Jennifer Leachman LaPoint, Kim Laskoff, and Jeff Rodgers.
• 2016 recognized Cathy & Gerry Luiting, Lori Dunsmore, Martie Wells, and William Farrell.
• 2017 celebrated Brenda Nichols Baldwin and Rachel George Normand.
• 2018 honored Rhoni Barton Bischoff.
• 2019 inducted Don Mixon and Parks Bonifay.

2020s Inductees

• 2020 saw Joe Ray, Mandy Nightingale, and Shaun Murray inducted.
• 2021 had no new inductees.
• 2022 honored Tara Hamilton Wynne and Zane Schwenk.
• 2023 inducted Jimmy Siemers and Keith St. Onge.
• 2024 inductees are still to be announced (TBD).