**Wakeboarding’s Largest U.S. Contest Kicks Off Day One at
Nautique WWA National Championships**
West Chester, OH. — For the first-time in its 23-year history Wakeboarding’s largest U.S. contest, the Nautique WWA National Championships presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, is being held in Ohio. Day one of the prestigious event saw 15 different divisions take to the Lake at Voice of America Park in West Chester as riders battled it out for the title of National Champion.
One of the most competitive divisions during day one came from the Junior Men, which saw 16 riders in three stacked heats. Separating himself from the talented pack was Justin Lee, who linked together a run that included a handful of big airs to post a division high-score of 85.00.
“We couldn’t be happier bringing Nationals to West Chester, Ohio for the first time,” said Chris Bischoff, competition director. “The venue is perfect for an event of this magnitude and the crowd saw some excellent riding today.”
Also dazzling the crowd today were the riders in Mens I and II. In division I, Curt Bernstein looks to be the early favorite after putting in a well-balanced run full of airs and stylish riding, while posting a score of 68.33 to take first in his heat. In division II, Nick Link looked equally impressive with a polished run that judges rewarded with a heat winning score of 70.00.
The Nautique WWA National Championships, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will continue through Sunday, Aug. 5. Tomorrow free event will run from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will remain a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under); or $7 (adult) if purchased online.
Following Sunday’s finals fans can enjoy the Sony Big Air Contest. Featuring the top Pro Men riders, the athletes perform massive tricks that are rarely attempted in a traditional contest setting.
In addition to all the action on the water, on land the Nautique WWA National Championships features great food and music, athlete autograph signings, chances to win freebies, and shopping from the most cutting-edge brands offering water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
For information on the Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, visit www.kingofwake.com.
The Nautique WWA National Championships, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton’s, Peavey, Mona Vie, Fox, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, PCM Marine Engines and TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine.
Day One Results – Nautique WWA National Championships
Amateur Wakeskate Semifinals Heat 1 (Riders in Bold Advance)
**1. Austin Polterock 72.67
2. Josh Hamon 63.33
3. Cristobal Mendez 52.50
4. Craig Buss 41.67**
5. Seth Cathy 36.67
6. Michael Fay 26.67
Junior Boys Beginner (9 and Under) Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Benjamin Brown 66.67
2. Kai Stidham 60.00**
3. Samuel Ringer 51.67
4. Tyler Lewis 31.67
Junior Boys Beginner (9 and Under) Semifinals Heat 2
**1. Fynn Bullock 73.33
2. Thomas Herman 65.00**
3. Carter Mather 58.33
4. Laird Stidham 45.00
Junior Boys Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Hunter Henderson 82.00
2. Kevin Duffy 68.33
3. Tyler Worrall 61.67
4. Rocker Steiner 53.33**
Girls (13 and Under) Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Sofia Mendez 61.67
2. Marla Fay 51.67
3. Jessica Herman 36.67**
Boys Beginner Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Ryan King 71.00
2. Andy Birch 63.33
3. Foster Marquardt 56.67
4. Peyton Bristow 49.17**
5. Tyler Brooks 41.67
6. Justin Lewis 31.67
Women’s Masters Semifinals Heat 1
1. **Joy Manning 62.00
2. Natalie Graham 36.67**
Veteran Women’s Semifinal Heat 1
**1. Jodi Vermillion 63.33
2. Kat Laird 53.33
3. Paula Fay 33.33**
Adaptive Standings Semifinals Heat 1
1. Billy Tonis 63.33
Masters Mens Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Mark Dougherty 68.00
2. Brent Anderson 60.00**
3. Kevin Michael 51.67
4. Ryan Kopp 41.67
5. Steve Rokita 15.00
Masters Mens Semifinals Heat 2
**1. Tim Nilsen 80.00
2. Matt Lever 65.00**
3. Joshua White 48.33
4. Michael Hook 38.33
5. Bill Boston 20.00
Veterans (40 and Over) Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Billy Garcia 94.00
2. Matt Vermillion 89.00
3. Ben Uncle 82.33
4. Brian Kruer 65.00**
5. Michael Fay 48.67
6. Steve Johnson 40.67
Pro Veterans Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Chad Reese 70.00
2. Chad Lowe 60.00**
Junior Men Semifinals Heat 1
1. Chad Payton 81.67
2. Ethan Rau 68.33
3. Jonathan Abendroth 45.00
4. Jim Branton 40.00
5. Zach Brown 30.00
6. Cullen Rumford 20.00
Junior Men Semifinals Heat 2
**1. Justin Lee 85.00
2. Mac Schramm 71.67**
3. Robbie Culp 53.33
4. Danny Collins 43.33
5. Jordan Colleary 30.00
Junior Men Semifinals Heat 3
**1. Timothy Burnier 83.33
2. Juan Mendez 66.67**
3. Logan McCracken 56.67
4. Jamie McCauley 46.67
5. Maxwell Spencer 36.67
Men’s 1 Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Lee Wagner 66.67
2. Cameron Steiner 58.33**
3. Eric Blasiman 50.00
4. Jordan Gensler 43.44
5. Scott Morgan 36.67
6. Corbin Blanton 23.33
Mens 1 Semifinals Heat 2
**1. Curt Bernstein 68.33
2. Ben Herrema 58.33**
3. Michael Dever 53.33
4. Ryan Gillen 46.67
5. John Zdeblick 42.50
6. Kevin Hutts 38.33
7. Ben Hamlin 31.67
Men’s II Semifinals Heat 1
**1. Tom Pazerunas 65.00
2. Brad Gearhart 56.67**
3. Andrew Hall 45.00
4. Brian Brech 40.33
5. Nick Cankar 10.00
Men’s II Semifinals Heat 2
**1. Nick Link 70.00
2. Tim Pitschke 61.67**
3. Michael Vincz 50.00
4. Gabe Fowler 36.67
5. Rob Corum 20.00
