Near Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships
The sport of competitive show skiing was born when the first Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Tournament was held in July of 1967. Wisconsin Rapids native Jack Lukes was instrumental in creating the tournament, helping write the tournament rules, and securing endorsement of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation. Seven clubs from Wisconsin competed in the tournament, using those rules which contained elements used in today's scoring system. The Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships have grown into the largest tournament of its kind in the world, while Lake Wazeecha has become known as one of the top venues in the country for show skiing. Thanks to Jack Lukes' commitment to the sport he loved, thousands of skiers, fans and spectators come to Red Sands Beach every summer to enjoy the competition and entertainment on the water.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Erected 2017 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 570.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1967.
Location. 44° 21.806′ N, 89° 44.134′ W. Marker is near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, in Wood County. Marker can be reached from South Park Road, half a mile west of 80th Street (County Highway W), on the right when traveling west. Marker is in South Wood County Park, west of the Red Sands Beach of Lake Wazeecha. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dr. Byron Robinson (approx. 4.1 miles away); Milwaukee Gasoline Locomotive (approx. 4.4 miles away); V. F. W. Post 2534 Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.4 miles away); Elizabeth Daly House (approx. 4.6 miles away); Wood County Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.7 miles away); Our Medical History (approx. 4.8 miles away); Historic Municipal Swimming Pool (approx. 4.8 miles away); Grand Rapids of the Wisconsin River (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Rapids.
Also see . . .
1. A Brief History of Show Skiing. USA Waterski & Wake Sports webwide entry (Submitted on January 27, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers Show Team. Website homepage (Submitted on July 13, 2017, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2017, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on November 9, 2021. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 13, 2017, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.