Ski Sharks’ Passehl takes seventh at state in swivel

By: 
Morgan Rode
Sports Editor

Shawano Ski Shark member Faith Passehl placed seventh in the swivel competition at the 2020 Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships on Thursday on Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin Rapids.

Passehl earned a score of 11.26 in the 17-skier event.

“My day went very well — I skied a clean run and accomplished all that I wanted to. I had a small bobble at the end but nothing major,” said Passehl.

With her finish, Passehl will now play the waiting game to see where she might compete at nationals. “If they end up having open spots they will go down the line of Wisconsin competitors.”

While Passehl came up just short of reaching her goal of placing in the top five, she was still pleased with the finish, which was her best ever.

This year’s state competition was different from years past. The team state portion was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, so only the swivel and freestyle jump individual competitions took place.

“Competing is always an adrenaline rush but pulling up to the site this year was definitely very different with no tents or vendors. There was not a lot of action down there,” said Passehl.

Still, the Ski Shark skier had a good time and is already thinking about future state competitions.

“Overall, a super fun tournament and I’m happy with how I placed,” said Passehl. “I look forward to advancing my difficulty and placing top three in the years to come.”

Grace Petzold won the swivel competition with a mark of 15.8.

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