Article by: Jason Neagle

Photos contributed by: Jason Neagle, Brian Robertson, and Josh Wagner 

Taylorsville, KY-UK Bluegrass Boardfest Collegiate Challenge hosted by University of Kentucky Wakeboard/ Water Ski Club and Kentucky Boatworks-MasterCraft dealer pulled 45 college students representing 15 different schools. This was the first ever college student only Wakeboard Tournament hosted by the University of Kentucky Wakeboard Club. The tournament was a huge success for the Club. Awarding $3000.00 in cash prizes and over $2500.00 in soft goods provided by sponsors.  Door prizes went out to all riders and no one went home empty handed. Colleges were represented from as far as Orlando, FL and St. Louis, MO. Riders represented Indiana University, Murray State University, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Tennessee Tech., University of Missouri, University of Cincinnati, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville University, University of Illinois, University of Toledo, Cincinnati State, St. Charles Community College, University of Southern Florida and University of Tennessee.

            Three out-of-state riders went head to head in the two rounds of riding for the $1000.00 cash prize in the Outlaw Division. James Fied-IU  , Clayton Underwood-IU and Daniel Walden-UT all came out strong in the first round of seeding and posted close scores. Daniel Walden, last off the dock in the finals, didn’t hold back, throwing down hammers toe 7, grabbed KGB, grabbed moby dick, grabbed pete, and indy tantrum to blind to take home the $1000.00 cash purse. Clayton Underwood held it tight in the first round, but fell short in the finals to secure the second spot and was followed by James Fied.  

            Advanced Division was taken by rider Tom Pazerumas-UI throwing down a stand up run in the finals, landing it all smooth to secure the $500.00 cash purse.  In a close second was UK rider Cameron Steiner-UK, with his signature backside spins and third was Alex Byrum-St. Charles.

            Intermediate Division was lead by Nathan Stetter-Cinn St.in second place was local rider Justin Wells-IUS, known more for his wake skating talents borrowed a wakeboard for the tournament and came up with a podium finish. Jon Garibay-U of Toledo rounded out the podium in third position.

            Novice Division was packed with twenty-two up–and-coming riders. The largest division showed many riders with a season or two of boarding under their belts and a strong level of progression. Taking first place in this highly contested division was Shuan Leamis-UI, a close second was Zach McMilken-UK followed by Evan Storck- UK.

            Women’s Intermediate was secured by Laura Mitchell-UK, who was uncontested to take home the $500.00 cash purse. Laura was the only female athlete of the day to land an invert in the competition.

         Women’s Novice was a highly contested division with riders representing three colleges. Coming out on top was Kylie Parker-UK followed by Megan VanMeter-UK and Julie Mize-UK.

         Pro Rider Bryan Hutton was on hand representing University of South Florida. Uncontested in the Pro Division, Bryan laid down the dirtiest moves of the day, hitting every 900 he has under his belt, awing the crowd. Bryan was on site all day giving a few exhibition runs through out the tournament and helping out with Judging. Bryan Hutton is a Kentucky resident attending school and training in Orlando, FL. Some of Byran’s first tournament experiences were on Taylorsville Lake in tournaments hosted by Boatworks.