Cloudy skies and cold temperatures did not stop student members and alumni of Auburn University's Water Ski Club from competing in the annual alumni tournament Saturday.
The Water Ski Club hosted the event at Faith Lake in Shorter.
"We sent out letters and e-mails for the alumni to come," said Maegan Marcheggiani, a junior in industrial design and president of the club. "I really like meeting the alumni because it's neat to hear their stories about when they skied."
Andy Lushington, a graduate student in business and fifth-year member of the team, said the tournament is an interesting way to reconnect and observe how things have changed since the alumni were students.
"We are trying to re-forge a network between Auburn students and alumni," Lushington said. "A lot of the tournament is walking around, talking to people and hanging out."
Joe Eakes, a professor in horticulture and the faculty adviser for the team, said he feels the tournament is a fun way to compete in water skiing.
"Some of the alumni haven't been gone that long and can probably compete pretty well against the young folks," Eakes said.
All 30 student members of the team were required to attend, but only 10 competed in each event.
"They have to have some people who are not competing, taking care of some of the logistics," Eakes said.
Five men and five women competed against alumni members in each of the three events, Marcheggiani said.
Participants competed in slalom, trick and jump events.
"Most parents come to this tournament," Marcheggiani said. "It's closer for some families to come. It's nice because they get to see where their kids ski."
Marcheggiani said the club usually aims for at least 20 alumni plus families to attend.
"We like to have as many people there as possible to walk around, talk and have a good day at the lake," Marcheggiani said. "I like seeing the older skiers come back."
Admission to the tournament was free for the public, and all proceeds from the registration fees for student and alumni skiers benefited the water ski club.
Eakes said the team hoped the tournament would be its biggest money-maker.
"Most money is raised through registration and concessions," Eakes said.
Marcheggiani said the team has two seasons during the school year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
The team also hosts and travels to tournaments at other Southeastern schools.
"They are competitive, but they are still a relaxed atmosphere," Marcheggiani said. "We get to see where the other students hang out, where their schools are and what their campuses look like."
Marcheggiani said the team usually leaves for out-of-town tournaments Friday and returns Sunday.
"You get to know people not only who go to Auburn, but other schools, too," Lushington said. "It's a very good time."
Lushington described the team as a close-knit social network of different people that share the same hobby or passion.
"It's just something they want to learn how to do or they have done as they have grown up," Eakes said.
Water skiing may not be considered a varsity sport, but the team has earned a number of accolades in recent years, including being named the Eastern Region All-Star Team, Eakes said.
"The year before I became adviser, the team won the national championship in Division II," Eakes said.
Auburn has also boasted the top male and female jumpers in its division.
"We have experienced skiers, and we can teach anyone from beginner to pro," Marcheggiani said. "We're always looking for new members."
Marcheggiani said she decided to join her freshman year after visiting the team's table on the Concourse.
"I was looking to join a club, and they had their boat on the Concourse trying to recruit members," Marcheggiani said. "I talked to them and joined the club that way."
Most students on the team have their own ski equipment, but the club also provides equipment for students to use, Marcheggiani said.
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