The Shawano Ski Sharks’ hopes for a state championship could very well rest on the shoulders of its 18-woman ballet line.
The 49th annual Wisconsin State Water Ski Championships run Thursday through Sunday on Lake Wazeecha near Wisconsin Rapids. Twenty-eight teams will compete in three divisions. The Shawano squad will be in Division 3, which competes on Friday.
“Our single biggest strength on the team is that we have a lot of ladies,” said Eric Gran, a 26-year veteran of the Ski Sharks. “I would put money down that we have the largest ballet line.”
The Sharks will send a 50-member team to Lake Wazeecha in search of their first state title since 2010.
“We have a lot of girls that we are counting on to shine,” Sharks show coordinator Brad Kueschel said. “They could be one of our highest-scoring acts.”
Leah Passehl said she and her fellow ballet line members are prepared to showcase their talents.
“We have a lot of a talent and we want to show what Shawano has,” Passehl said. “It is fun to be a part of a competing team.”
Scoring is conducted by a panel of five judges. Acts are judged on flow, execution, showmanship, costuming, theme, music, spectator appeal and technical difficulty. Teams can score additional points for boat driving skills, safety and announcer quality.
Gran said the challenge is maintaining intensity for the entire 60-minute show. All teams must perform at least 13 acts.
Regardless of outcome, Passehl notes the experience of competing at state is invaluable.
“It is a great experience,” she said.
Chain Skimmers, a team based in Conover, won the Division 3 title last year. The Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers placed second.
The Ski Sharks finished last in the 2014 Division 2 championships, resulting in a demotion to Division 3 this year. The only way for the team to regain Division 2 status is to win the D3 title.
