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Distinguished Service Award

 

 

Ohio Distinguished Service Award

The competitive sport of traditional water skiing in Ohio is very much a community activity. The community consists of skiers, judges, drivers, safety personnel, scorers, coaches, lake owners, ski clubs, promotional boat owners and some non-skiing fans – our families. As in any worthwhile endeavor the more you give the more you receive. Yet as in any organization, there are those who for love of the sport – the love of community, give in special and exceptional ways. It may be strong leadership or tireless behind the scene labors that help the sport grow and excel. These are the qualities and values that embody the recipients of the Ohio Distinguished Service Award. Our Distinguished Service Award winners are our role models for future generations of skiers.

Our first award was given in 1978. Since that time 35 awards have been given. On two occasions two people have received the award the same year.  One individual, Larry Downes, has received the award on two separate occasions. For twelve years no award was given. From 1995 thru 2008 only 3 awards were given. This occurred because no formal nomination process was in place, not because of a lack of good candidates. In 2009, Jeff Van Treese, a former award recipient realized the value of recognizing our leaders and initiated the nomination and voting for Distinguished Service Awards once again. In 2014 Jeff submitted to the OWSA the Ohio Distinguished Service Award Nominating and Voting Guidelines.​

Past Winners

1978 - Don Casson
1979 - Lucille Borgen & Bob Pringle
1980 - Keith Brooks
1981 - Jean Downes
1982 - Dave Lance
1983 - Gerald Meek
1984 - Larry Downes
1985 - None
1986 - Barb Reedy
1987 - Harry Stewart
1988 - Bob Neumeyer
1989 - Sam Spano
​1990 - Jeff Van Treese 
1991 - Vern Johnston
1992 - Ron Troeger
1993 - Mike Meek
1994 - Larry Downes
1995 - None










1996 - None
1997 - None
1998 - Jim & Lisa McClure
1999 - None
​2000 - Dick Coss
2001 - None
2002 - None
2003 - Linda Coss
2004 - None
2005 - None
2006 - None
2007 - None
2008 - None
​2009 - Greg Chapman
2010 - Dottie Troeger
2011 - Greg Lanick
2012 - Greg Kuenning
2013 - Kurt Mechler

​
2014 - Libby Van Treese
2015 - Karl Dammeyer
2016 - Debbie Daulton
2017 - Bruce Baker
2018 - Gene Dalton
2019 - Gar Bradley
2020 - Jon French
2021 - Denise Dammeyer
2022 - Jim McClure
2023 - Keri McClure
2024 - Kayla Herstad
2025 - Jeanette Van Akelijen
​

We Would Love to Have You Get On The Water Soon!

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  • Home
  • EVENTS
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Distinguished Service
    • Junior Development
  • Resources
    • Bylaws
    • Constitution
    • Ski Lakes
    • Records
    • Tournament/Novice Rules
    • Officials
    • Buckeye Buoy Tour
    • Archived News
  • Collegiate
  • Join