ROGER SKALKO WAS MORE THAN JUST THE TEAM TRAINER, HE WAS FAMILY

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"Roger made me feel at home at FSC. I hope I can continue to make him proud and be as dedicated as he was.” – Evelyne Gielis

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“He will always have a place in my heart. I’m sad to see you go but I know there will be an excellent boat driver in heaven.”– Jessie Dobbertin  

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Florida Southern College's water ski team didn't merely have a coach. It had a mentor, a father figure and a friend, who also happened to be an incredible boat driver and had an eye to pin-point if you were wide enough in your jump pre-turn or if you had enough back arm pressure into the buoy. To FSC Water Ski, Roger Skalko was more than just the team trainer, he was family.

Eight years ago, Roger dedicated his time and focus to the Moccasins water ski team, and he was able to lead it to greatness the moment he was deemed head coach. The past four teams bagged top-five finishes at the Collegiate Water Ski National Championships, many of the skiers winning individual titles. Trophies from the team's feats can be seen adorned along the shelves of Roger's office and gleaming behind glass cases around campus. Though he had a strong desire for his team to achieve greatness, Roger wasn't there purely to gain more hardware and medals for Florida Southern; he was there to be alongside people who shared his same passion and sit behind the steering wheel as he helped them pursue their dreams on the water.

Every morning, without fail, Roger would arrive at the boat house even before the sun had risen over the edges of Lake Hollingsworth to pull skiers at the first ray of light. Weather permitting, he would stay until the sun began to set. When he wasn't in the boat, Roger was busy planning tournaments, ordering T-shirts, arranging for charter buses to cart the team to regionals and nationals, and recruiting up-and-coming skiers. Dedicated. That is Roger described in one word. He was there for the team members, on and off the water, and would go out of his way to meet any of their needs.

No one was ready for him to leave. Every skier shared a special connection with him, even from the moment he began his recruiting schemes to secure them into his ski team family. He touched many lives in ways that no one else could. His impact, not only on the team but also on the entire water ski community, will be cherished forever. He united Florida Southern Water Ski as a family and together as a family it will move forward doing great things in his name.

“The amount of time and dedication Roger poured into the FSC program will remain unknown, but his passion and love for our team shined brightly. His smile and cheerfulness to the sport of water skiing will be dearly missed.” – K.C. Wilson

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“All he ever wanted was for people to do their best on the water. We will make you proud Roger! Miss you every day.” – Lauren Morgen

“The amount of time and dedication Roger poured into the FSC program will remain unknown, but his passion and love for our team shined brightly. His smile and cheerfulness to the sport of water skiing will be dearly missed.” K.C. Wilson

“He was the one I considered my American dad. It’s been an honor to ski with you and for you. We love you. We will never forget you.” Ambre Franc

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