The recently completed Western Regional Water Ski Competition at Vancouver, Wash. was a productive one for three local water skiers.
Local phenomenon Allison Poulson of Ketchum placed third in the Women's 35-45 age group. Mike Hanley of Ketchum was 10th in Men's 45-53, and John Urban of Hailey ended up ninth in Men's 53-60. Competing in slalom, jumping and trick skiing were the top 200 water skiers from 11 western states. Poulson's age class consisted of the top 16 women in the West. The age classes of Hanley and Urban had over 30 competitors.
Poulson's rise to success has been dramatic and her skills are being noticed nationally. After skiing competitively for only three years, she is out-skiing many veteran entrants.
She said, "There are so many skilled athletes and two top-of-the-line training sites in this area. It would be great if more locals got involved in competitive water skiing. It's a fun family activity and wonderful training for snow skiing."
The next stop for local water skiers is the National Water Ski Championships Aug. 5 at West Palm Beach, Fla. Poulson looks like she'll be in the hunt for a medal and a spot on the podium in Florida. An estimated 900 skiers will compete.
Other local water skiers who placed well in recent regional and national competitions include Miles Stanislaw, Gary Storey and Tom West. They train either at MGM Ski Club south of Bellevue or Black Butte Ranch south of Timmerman Hill, near Shoshone.
