WWU Waterski Team Wins Division II National Championship

November 4, 2015

by Brian Traverso

Office of Communications and Marketing intern

The Western Washington University Waterski Team recently won the Division II National Championships in Cypress, Texas.

The Vikings were able to generate the highest score over 12 other collegiate teams in three types of scored events: slalom, trick and jump; the University of Wisconsin Madison finished second and the University of Michigan finished third.

Team President Matt Kienbaum said the championship win was the result of months of hard work, practice and training.

“It was definitely a cool experience and our team is really excited,” Kienbaum said. “Winning has really helped put our team on the map as a nationally competitive waterski team.”

WWU’s national championship team includes:

Matthew Kienbaum of Liberty Lake
Charlie Kienbaum of Liberty Lake
Joe McIntyre of Shoreline
Jaye Morris of San Diego, California
Alex Bachmeier of Yelm
Michael Rivera of Yelm
Kelly Dougherty of Kenmore
Isaiah Adams of Corbett, Oregon
Elliot Barr of Liberty Lake
Joe Dobell of Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Blake Hilde of Seattle
Hillary Hover of Midland, Texas
Kayla Williams of Milton
Claire Walsh of Spokane

For more information, contact Clark Cripps, assistant director of Departmental Assessment/Sport Clubs at Western, at (360) 650-4191 or clark.cripps@wwu.edu.