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There is a moment in the life of every organization
when, if it doesn't gain critical traction and momentum it will fail
before reaching it's objective. Consider that in the 1950's when there
was no internet allowing instant communication with new Indiana State
Ski Club members and prospects via e-mail and postings on a web site.
Recognizing that regular communication to the freshly recruited
membership would be necessary to sustain the group's enthusiasm, ISSC
organizer Tommy Perrine sought out the help of a young man who would
prove to be a proficient and entertaining communicator. Authoring and
mailing from 1951 to 1955 our man kept skiers across the northern part
of the state - epicenter of waterskiing in Indiana - aware of the
goings on at Lake Maxinkuckee, Tippecanoe, Wawasee, Clear, Bass and
the St. Joseph and the White Rivers, the latter group representing the
southern organized skiing group in the ISSC. Those news letters kept
interest and energy high by informing members of upcoming ski shows,
reporting results of events completed between publications, and news
from the American Water Ski Association. Our Honoree ordered and
delivered new water skis to ISSC members, not as a profit making
enterprise, but as a service to skiers who fifty years ago didn't
enjoy the convenience of specialty and mail order shops like Bart's
and Skiers Edge.
In addition to Indiana and Mid West Regional meets
Dick competed in the 1951 Nationals in Lake Placid, NY and the 1953
Long Beach, Ca. Nationals, but it is the 1952 Minoqua, WI. Nationals
that he is most proud of to recall, finishing 14th in the trick riding
and 16th in slalom. This performance, accomplished before the many age
distinct divisions we have today, pitted boys and men between the age
of 16 and 50 against one another. Hitting that Minoqua performance may
have been a fluke he sums up his water ski career thustly, and in his
own words, "I was lousy as a competition water skier, but I was an
enthusiastic one!" After the 1953 Nationals the AWSA
leadership suggested to our man that he retire from national
competition and take on the role of tournament official. That seamed
like a good idea to him, so he chaired the AWSA Rules Committee from
1952 through 1955 and was selected by AWSA to serve as the US
Nationals Chief Judge in 1955 at Lakeland Florida and in 1956 on Stone
Lake in LaPorte. From 1956 to 1958 he served as Mid West Vice
President of AWSA. Seeing that the Indiana State Ski Club enjoyed
critical energy our honoree stepped aside to let the leadership of the
group move to the likes of Bob Maish and Rollie Williams
Stepping aside from leadership responsibilities
doesn't translate as disinterest.
Back in the Spring when Bill Roach and John Kniesly
meet with Dick West, Dick brings to the meeting a large packet filled
with historically significant ISSC documents, news paper articles and
photos. The packets also contains water ski related letters and
articles from just a few years ago. It seamed quite apparent that this
Indiana Water Ski Association's Hall of Fame recipient's interest and
love for the sport he took up in 1947 at age 22 has not diminished
over the past 60 years. He knows of the Lake Grew depth and bottom
contour problems. He has visited the USA Headquarters and stays in
contact with those whom he worked while active in the organization. He
knows of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation and is a
supporter.
Congratulations to Mr. Dick West and Thanks for all
your contributions to help bring IWSA up to the level we enjoy today.
Copied from John Kniesly
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