The University of Louisiana at Monroe Water Ski Team won their 24th national championship title at the 34th Collegiate Water Ski National Championships Oct. 18-20, at Tri-Lakes in Zachary. The ULM Water Ski Team has won the national title 24 out of the 34 years of the tournament's history.

We all had an amazing event and apart from a few small errors, ULM Warhawks where in “Beast Mode” for all three days of the Competition. As well as the National Title for the Team, Adam Pickos and Martin Kolman also picked up gold medals in tricks and jump, with Kolman also winning the overall title.

When returning back to campus today the media, part of the band, friends, and supporters all came to greet us. This is my 3rd time returning to campus with the National Title and it is such a great feeling as you can imagine. Many of the teacher’s will call the skiers out at the beginning of class to congratulate us and I am sure we will be featured on the front page of our weekly campus newspaper, the Hawkeye, tomorrow morning.

Many Skiers, both recreational and professional will argue that the NCWSA Nationals is one of the best and most fun events on the calendar. It is a three day tournament that is action packed. You will cheer for every one of your team members, body paint; take part in many activities (bikini contest) and much more. I encourage you to join a team and take part in this awesome event.

Personally, and on behalf of the team I would like to thank Bennett’s Ski School for such an awesome event. Also we would like to thank all the judges, drivers, staff, and everyone else involved for such an incredible and successful event.

Your 2012 National Champions are listed below.

Graduate Assistant - Martin Bartalskys

Men’s Team:
• Will Oliver of Hull, England – Team Captain.
• Jake Bridges of Ireland
• Siarhei Bushin of Novopolotsk, Belarus
• James Earl of Solihul, England
• Claudio Koestenberger of Sattendorf, Austria
• Nikita Papakul of Belarus
• Martin Kolman of the Czech Republic
• Adam Pickos of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
• Tyler Scott of Covington, Louisiana
• Michael Stevenson of Gilbert, Arizona
Women's Team:
• Jennifer Benjamin of London, England – Team Captain
• Eleanor Benjamin of London, England
• Makayla Clemons-Haw of Sacramento, Calif
• Carli Guyer of Pierson, Fla.
• Maddison McCammon of Clermont, Fla.
• Janice Stevens of Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada.

Written By Will Oliver