awards
The Rich Slingerland Memorial Award
Every year since 1975 the Western Region has recognized a member or an official who epitomized friendship, dedication with integrity and grace that Rich Slingerland brought to our sport. The first award was presented at the US National tournament and is now one of the Western Region's most prestigious honors. Rich died tragically in a diving accident. In 1975 Connie Spiker presented the first tribute to him in our Regional Guide. This memorial award was established and maintained for a deserving person who might otherwise go unnoticed.
All Western Region members are welcome & encouraged to submit nominations for this award to their local councilperson or to Gaile Heieck prior to the Regional tournament.
| 1975 Rocky Matranga | 1990 Phil Adams | 2000 Phil Yastrow |
| 1976 Sam Plough | 1991 Barbara Canfield | 2001 Dee & Laura Johnson |
| 1978 Gary Eaton | 1992 Kathy Gibson | 2002 Wayne Canfield |
| 1979 Danny Roy | 1993 Andrea Plough | 2003 Randy Hocking |
| 1981 Brian Hockenbery | 1994 Janice & Kent Garrett | 2004 Merle Vasbinder |
| 1982 Lori Lauszus | 1995 Mike Hayes | 2005 Carol Boice |
| 1983 Sally Mecham | 1996 Norm Wingerd | 2006 Jeff Gaastra |
| 1984 Mike Steel | 1997 Don Strategier | 2007 Tom Mecham |
| 1985 Gaile Heieck | 1998 Leora & John Matranga | 2008 Larry Goodwin |
| 1986 Trish Warren | 1999 Lucie & John Goodman | 2009 Laura Johnson |
| 1987 Mike Yates | ||
| 1988 Jack Wilson | ||
| 1989 Bob Cosby |
The Don Koppert Memorial Award
In 1991 the Don Koppert Memorial Award was established to honor the loss of a dear friend, fellow skier and a hard working judge, driver and coach. This honor is presented at the Western Regional Waterski Championships each year to an official who has shown to be extremely hard working and dedicated. Other officials volunteering at the tournament make the selection.
| 1991 John Reid Family | 1992 John Goodman | 1993 Gaile Heieck |
| 1994 Lynne Koppert McKean & Jason Koppert |
1995 Don Strategier | 1996 |
| 1997 Deb Brodzinski | 1998 Richelle Matli | 1999 Robert Jardon |
| 2000 Brian Holm | 2001 Scott Vanderflute | 2002 Carl Pugh |
| 2003 Phil Yastrow | 2004 Joe Biafora | 2005 Ron & Rhonda Warman |
| 2006 Don Strategier | 2007 Heather Heieck |
2009 Award Of Distinction Recipients Announced
The American Water Ski Educational Foundation's Water Ski Hall of Fame Selection
Committee has announced the 2009 recipients of its prestigious Award of Distinction.
Chuck Dees, Carlos Maciel, Johnnie Matranga, Mike Murphy and Jaap Suyderhoud
(posthumously) will receive the Award of Distinction in recognition of their
water ski accomplishments and contributions to the water skiing community.
They will be honored, along with 2009 Hall of Fame inductees Lucky Lowe and
Lynn Novakofski, at the AWSEF's 27th annual Water Ski Hall of Fame induction
ceremony on April 18 at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Fla.
The Award of Distinction recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the sport. Recipients may include tournament skiers, innovators, industry leaders, officials and others responsible for landmark achievements in the development of water skiing as well as those whose long periods of dedication and service deserve special recognition.
Matranga has been water skiing since 1952 and an American Water Ski Association supporter since 1955. He has contributed as an extremely hard worker, driver, judge, coach, ambassador and talented competitor. He has been a regional slalom champion and regional record holder several times. He was a senior driver for 15 years and a regular judge for 25 years. He also is a past AWSA director, executive vice president and councilperson.
Murphy was a show skier, ski racer, coach, traditional skier, freestyle jumper, and innovator. He is considered to be the co-inventor of the kneeboard and the seated hydrofoil. He also operated a popular ski school in Parker, Ariz.