AWSA Midwest
June 2026 Edition
Dear Midwest Region Skiers, Families, Officials, Volunteers, and Friends,
Welcome to another exciting season of water skiing in the Midwest! I'm looking forward to seeing you throughout the season, catching up, and meeting new members of our Midwest skiing family.
As we begin the 2026 season, I would first like to thank everyone who participated in our Judges and Scorers Clinic this past April, along with a special thank you to our instructors—Dennis and Delaina Downes, Cale Burdick, Jeff Surdej, and Jill Smith—who did an outstanding job this year. With more than 100 participants, the clinic was a tremendous success and demonstrated our region's commitment to developing knowledgeable officials and ensuring the continued success of our tournaments. Whether you attended for the first time or were renewing your certifications, your willingness to volunteer your time and expertise is greatly appreciated. Our tournaments simply would not be possible without the dedicated officials, scorers, drivers, safety personnel, and countless volunteers who work behind the scenes.
This season is especially exciting with the 2026 Goode Water Ski National Championships back in the Midwest. This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase our outstanding volunteers, and the hospitality that makes Midwest water skiing so special. I encourage everyone to participate—whether as a competitor, official, volunteer, or spectator—and help make Nationals a memorable experience for athletes and visitors from across the country.
The Midwest Region has long been known not only for outstanding competition, but also for the dedication, sportsmanship, and camaraderie of the people who make our sport so special. As always, I encourage each of you to get involved throughout the season. Attend tournaments, support your local clubs, volunteer whenever you can, and invite someone new to experience tournament water skiing. Every new skier, volunteer, and family member helps strengthen our community and ensures a bright future for our sport.
No matter your goals this season—whether you're skiing your first tournament, chasing a personal best, qualifying for championships, earning an officials' rating, or simply enjoying weekends at the lake with friends—I hope you find this season rewarding both on and off the water.
If you see me at a tournament this summer, please introduce yourself. I'd love to hear your ideas on how we can continue making the Midwest Region an outstanding place to ski. Together, let's continue building a region that welcomes new skiers, supports our volunteers, and sets the standard for tournament water skiing across the country.
Have a fantastic season. I wish you safe travels, great skiing, and I look forward to seeing you on the water!
Ski you later,
Darren Janzig
EVP, Midwest Region – AWSA
