Wednesday, June 12, 2013

VT Wake Awards 2012-2013

As we look back on the 2012-2013 school year, we wanted to recognize some of the stars of the VT Wakeboard Club. Introducing the first annual VT Wake Awards. Some are serious, some not at all, but this is the best (and worst) we have to offer.

Rider of the Year AND Best Freerider: Edan Fletcher
Honestly, Edan could have won Comp Rider of the year too. He's just good at everything. Sickest style of anyone in the club and has been rock solid in every competition he has entered in the past couple years. He was the anchor of the team this year both in competitions and in freeriding. Well deserved.




Most Improved: Sean O'Toole
Sean was a solid rider going into last semester but he really turned it on in 2012-2013. It seemed like he was learning new tricks every day he went out. Scarecrows, TS Backrolls, Tantrums, etc. Realistically, he probably doubled his bag of tricks in one year and is looking like he is on pace to become one of the top riders in the club next year.







Rookie of the Year AND Most Fun Person to be on the Boat with: Eli Archer
Eli came into the club as a Freshman this year and immediately it was clear that he was going to be a great addition. In addition to his great wakeskating skills (our first true wakeskater in a few years), he has a great attitude. He's always stoked to watch other people ride and is the happiest guy on the boat no matter what. We are all looking forward to having the Giraffe around for several more years.



Best Comp Rider: Joe Cofer
Joe is another rider that really stepped it up this year. He has a great bag of tricks now but to give you an idea of just how consistent he is, get this: He learned TS Backrolls on his second try and landed 5 more in a row that day. 2 weeks later that trick was firmly in his competition run even in the super challenging conditions at Shreveport. Not many people can do that.



Crash of the Year: Sydney Hobart
Sydney falls a lot. Usually on little things like this and not trying the new bangers that freak her out. This IS NOT the actual crash of the year (not filmed) that occured at Nick's house last fall, but it's a gem. It's a good thing she's resilient because I know if I took that many edge catches (and she doesn't even use fins) I'd probably sell my wakeboard. Call her the Mohammed Ali of the club because she sure can take a punch.
Sydney Takes A Tumble from Nick Schrein on Vimeo.

Best Video Section: Joel Wagner-Gnarcolepsy (produced by Nick Schrein)
No surprise here. Joel's bag of tricks is unrivaled, and Nick Schrein picked an awesome song for this edit. @33:42

Gnarcolepsy from Nick Schrein on Vimeo.


Favorite Groupie: Claire Papp
Every team needs a "Team Mom" and for VT Wake that is First Lady Claire Papp. She's always on the boat and even made the trip down to Nationals. She can stay as long as she keeps bringing sliced oranges, water bottles, and bandaids.








The Nicholas J. Schrein "Bad Luck" Award: 
                                     Adam Van Dyke
Torn ACL, Torn Lateral Meniscus, Blood Clot, 3 ER visits, 3 months on blood thinners, getting the flu 2 days after knee surgery, getting an infection because he was allergic to the stitches, and getting a second knee surgery...the stats speak for themselves.








The Jeffrey J. Goldblum "I just can't quite leave yet" Award: Nick Schrein
5 years at VT just wasn't long enough. It's like that guy who just can't break up with his girlfriend. It's OK though, Nick is a great guy to have around and he was able to make a SICK full-length video of the club by being in the area. Thanks Nick! While we wish him luck in pursuing his dream of moving to FL, we don't mind if you stick around for a little bit more riding.





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