For Immediate Release
Contact: Patrick Wampler
Public Relations Director
407-405-0124
MasterCraft Pro WaterSki Championships
Local Skiers Make Mark in Finals
Charleston, South Carolina (May 18, 2003) – In an event filled with top performances from the world’s best professional water skiers, two skiers with local ties to Trophy Lakes and Charleston, South Carolina were at the top of their games in the Finals on Sunday of the MasterCraft Pro WaterSki Championships presented by Chevy Trucks and GM Vortec engines.
Natalie Hamrick, who skied her first event at Trophy Lakes at the age of seven, won her first-ever professional event, claiming the second annual MasterCraft Pro women’s slalom title and the $6,000 check.
In men’s slalom, Jeff Rodgers the co-world record holder and South Carolina native, had one of his best events in quite a few years, finishing second behind champion Andy Mapple.
In men’s jump, former world record holder, Jimmy Siemers won with a jump of 225 feet, matching the best effort of the weekend at Trophy Lakes. Siemers edged Curtis Sheers (222) by three feet. Freddy Krueger who had equaled the best jump of the weekend in the semifinals, finished third with an effort of 221.
The first event of the day, women’s slalom set the tone for the rest of the day. Hamrick and second-place finisher, Geraldine Jamin were both looking for victory. They were both tied after the final round, and went back out on the water for a run-off. Hamrick went out first on the pass at 38, and turned in a run of 4 ½ off at 38. Jamin, the higher seed in the finals had to match that run or accept second place. The difference came down to the closest of margins, ½ buoy as the judges reviewed the video to declare Hamrick the victor.
A tearful Hamrick was overwhelmed by her win, “It’s just so perfect to come back to the spot where I competed in my first event and earn my first pro victory,” said Hamrick.
The pro men’s slalom finals were just as close with just one buoy separating first thru third place. Mapple was the last skier off the dock and he used that to his advantage, just slipping ½ buoy past Rodgers. Jamie Beauchesne finished third with a final run of 1 ½ @41. William Asher finished fourth in one of his first big pro events in the United States with 1 @41.
The MasterCraft Pro WaterSki Championship, presented by Chevy Trucks and GM Vortec Engines, is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Florida. Powered by Indmar, the MasterCraft Pro has the support of the following: WaterSki Magazine, Bud Light, 180 Energy Drink, SeaDoo watercraft, Hyperlite, Perfect Pass, Activision, Liquid Force, Epiphone Guitars, Connelly Skis, HO Sports, OJ Props, Gator Boards, Chipper Beef Jerky, Earthboard, Bare Wetsuits, Billabong, Love Sac, Body Glove, Capix Helmets, JoyRide and Barts Water Sports.
Sunday’s Final Results
|
Men's Jump FINALS |
|
|
Jimmy Siemers (TX)USA |
225 |
|
Curtis Sheers (AUS) |
222 |
|
Freddy Krueger (FL)USA |
221 |
|
Jesper Cassoe (DEN) |
218 |
|
Jason Seels (GBR) |
215 |
|
Ryan Fitts (LA)USA |
214 |
|
Scot Ellis (FL)USA |
214 |
|
Jaret Llewellyn (CAN) |
212 |
|
Men's Slalom FINALS |
|
|
Andy Mapple (GBR) |
2 1/2 @ 41 |
|
Jeff Rodgers (SC)USA |
2 @ 41 |
|
Jamie Beauchesne (NH)USA |
1 1/2@41 |
|
William Asher (GBR) |
1 @ 41 |
|
Wade Cox (FL)USA |
1 @ 41 |
|
Chris Parrish (FL)USA |
4 1/4 @ 39 |
|
Doug Ross (CAN) |
3 @ 39 |
|
Drew Ross (CAN) |
2 1/2 @ 39 |
|
Jason Paredes (CA)USA |
2 1/2 @ 39 |
|
Terry Winter (OR)USA |
2 @ 39 |
|
Women Slalom FINALS |
|
|
Natalie Hamrick (FL)USA |
2 @ 39 |
|
Geraldine Jamin (FRA) |
2 @ 39 |
|
Emma Sheers (AUS) |
1/2 @ 39 |
|
Sarah Gatty Saunt (GBR) |
4 1/2@38 |
|
Jill Knutson (WA)USA |
4 @ 38 |
|
Michelle Simpson (TX)USA |
2 1/2@38 |
|
Lori Krueger (FL)USA |
2 1/4@ 38 |
|
Karen Truelove (FL)USA |
1 1/2 @ 38 |
|
Regina Jaquess (GA)USA |
1/2 @38 |
|
Rhoni Barton (FL)USA |
4 1/2@35 |