ASU water ski club makes waves at nationals

Hidden in Arizona State University's long list of clubs is one not many students and sports fans are familiar with: the ASU water ski team. Members say they're drawn to the little-known team for reasons familiar and familial.

"We've all kind of grown up water-skiing," said Tiffany Stevenson, whose father, Brad, is the team's coach.

ASU participated in the 30th Collegiate Water Ski National Championships, which ran Thursday through Saturday at Firebird Lake in the Gila River Indian Community.

The ASU team was among 22 from across the country that took part in the event.

Students in bathing suits watched along Firebird Lake's shore Saturday, cheering on competitors launching off fiberglass ski ramps soaring distances ranging from 60 feet to more than 160 feet.

"It's been a long couple of weeks since we've been preparing for this event," Stevenson said.

The national collegiate championship consisted of three events: slalom, trick and jumping.

Stevenson said she grew up water-skiing with her father ever since she can remember. She started competing when she was about 6 years old.

"I've been skiing since I could walk," she said. "My dad would hold me out on the side of the boat on skis."

David Phillips founded the ASU water ski team in 1994 and coached up until three years ago, when Brad Stevenson took over.

Ever since the team started regional competition 14 years ago, they have been ranked No. 1 each year in the West, Brad Stevenson said.

"I'm more of a manager than I am a coach," he said. "It's a lot of work to make sure everyone's having some fun."

The coaching takes place on a more personal level, he added, as more experienced members offer advice to beginners.

Each member gets four years of eligibility, Tiffany Stevenson said, like in any other collegiate sport, although the team is a privately funded club and does not compete within the NCAA. Membership costs $400 per semester for each student.

Members even chip in on the gas.

"We have to bring a five-gallon gas tank to practice for the boat," Tiffany Stevenson said.

"It's a bonding experience," team co-captain Ted Nelson said. "We put in a lot of time together."

Students from around the U.S. are familiar with one another, from competing in individual competitions during the summer, Nelson said. Many of the competitions are in California.

The announcer during Saturday's jump event said helmets were required years ago after a young competitor died when his head hit a ski ramp.

So far, there have been no serious injuries for members on the ASU team, though the risk is always present, Nelson said.

Members of the ASU team said they have received back and leg injuries during past competitions, though helmets and padded wet suits were worn.

Tiffany Stevenson said she once had to get nine stitches in the back of her head from one of her skis hitting her during a crash landing in the water.

Team co-captain Nina Daley said the sport helps her build up nerves, but not in the way that most might think.

"I get really nervous - especially during the jump events," she said.

Brad Stevenson said while safety comes first, he hoped the team would place high in the national event.

After a spirited run, the team finished in fourth place out of the 22 teams.