Hartwick Huskys Water Show Ski Team Captures 2026 Midwest Regional Show Ski Competition

Hartwick Huskys Capture Division I Midwest Regional Championship, Qualify for Division I National Championships 

EVANSDALE, Iowa (July 27, 2026) — The Hartwick Huskys Water Show Ski Team delivered one of the most successful weekends in program history, capturing the Championship at the 2026 Division I Midwest Regional Show Ski Competition in Evansdale, Iowa. 

Competing against some of the Midwest's premier Division I show ski teams, the Huskys earned the overall regional title through outstanding performances in both individual competition and their championship show. The victory also secured the team's spot at the 2026 Division I National Show Ski Championships, where they will compete against the nation's top Division I water show ski teams. The National Championships will be held Aug. 7–9 in Evansdale, Iowa. 

The Huskys' championship weekend was highlighted by an impressive sweep of specialty awards, individual event victories, and both tournament Most Valuable Skier honors. 

Championship Weekend Highlights 

Friday's individual competition showcased the depth of the Huskys roster, with athletes competing across five disciplines. The team's broad participation and numerous top finishes set the stage for the championship performance on Saturday. 

Individual Event Champions 

● Team Jump — 1st Place 

○ Jordan Allender, David Anderson, Bryan Baldwin, Paul Bauers, Garrett Bouley, Tate Peter, Mitch Tauke, and Nate Tauke 

● Swivel Pairs — 1st Place 

○ Natalie Ulrich and Maya Pilcher 

● Freestyle Jump — 1st Place 

○ Garrett Bouley 

Other Notable Individual Results 

● Mitch Tanner & Letti Tanner — 6th, Strap Doubles 

● Marty & Arianna Pottebaum — 9th, Strap Doubles 

● Jordan Allender & Kennedy Scott — 10th, Strap Doubles

● Brian Wegmann & Braelyn Werner — 14th, Strap Doubles 

● Pat & Anna Braet — 16th, Strap Doubles 

● Natalie Ulrichs — 5th, Swivel Open 

● Maya Pilcher — 6th, Swivel Open 

● Lili Bauers — 8th, Swivel Open 

● Lexi Harbach — 12th, Swivel Open 

● Lexi Harbach & Lili Bauers — 6th, Swivel Pairs 

● Nate Tauke — 4th, Freestyle Jump 

● Mitch Tauke — 5th, Freestyle Jump 

● Tate Peter — 6th, Freestyle Jump 

On Saturday, the Huskys presented their one-hour production, "Thrills & Chills in Hartwick Cove," delivering a performance that earned the highest overall score of the weekend and secured the Division I Midwest Regional Championship. 

The team's performance earned top scoring place in eight specialty awards: 

● Best Production 

● Best Tow Boat Driving 

● Best Pick-Up Boat Driving 

● Best Dock & Equipment Crew 

● Best Ballet Line 

● Best Jump Act 

● Best Showmanship 

● Highest-Scoring Pyramid 

The Huskys also swept the tournament's top individual honors, with Nate Tauke being named Male Most Valuable Skier and Lili Bauers earning Female Most Valuable Skier. 

Looking Ahead to Nationals 

The Midwest Regional Championship qualifies the Hartwick Huskys for the 2026 Division I National Show Ski Championships, where they will represent Delaware County and Northeast Iowa against the top Division I water show ski teams from across the country. 

"Winning a regional championship is an incredible accomplishment, but what makes this team truly special is the family we've built," said Doug Bauers, President of the Hartwick Huskys. "Our members come from different communities, backgrounds, and experience levels, yet we 

come together with one purpose—to support one another and put on the best performance possible. This championship belongs to every skier, volunteer, sponsor, family member, and fan who helped make it possible." 

Show Director Garth Peter credited the team's success to months of preparation.

"Every member of this team raised the standard this season," Peter said. "From our skiers and drivers to our dock crew and volunteers, everyone embraced the challenge of becoming better. Watching that hard work come together in Evansdale was incredibly rewarding, and we're excited to carry that momentum into Nationals." 

Assistant Show Director Jordan Allender said the championship reflects the team's culture. 

"Our athletes proved what can happen when everyone believes in each other and works toward a common goal," Allender said. "I'm proud of the performances, but I'm even more proud of the character our team showed throughout the season. That's what makes this championship so meaningful." 

A Tradition of Excellence 

For more than 60 years, the Hartwick Huskys have combined athletic excellence with family entertainment through weekly summer water ski shows and regional and national competition. Based in Manchester, Iowa, the nonprofit organization welcomes members of all ages and experience levels while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and community involvement. 

The Huskys perform their summer production, "Thrills & Chills in Hartwick Cove," on Friday evenings at Schram Park in Manchester. Shows are free and open to the public. 

As they prepare for the Division I National Championships, the Huskys remain committed to representing their community with excellence both on and off the water. 

For complete tournament results, team information, schedules, and upcoming events, visit www.hartwickhuskys.com.