The Muskego Water Bugs, celebrating our 50^th Anniversary season, concluded its most successful season to date by spending ten days in China competing in the Sino-America Ski Show competition.  Terry Roslawski, the 2008 Skip Gilkerson Award winner, led the US contingent to China, “After participating with the team that went in 2007, I felt strongly that the Water Bugs could successfully compete in China”, said Terry.  In addition to taking on the task of interfacing with the Chinese, he also embraced the unenviable job of choosing the right people both inside and outside the Water Bugs to represent the United States.

The team consisted of fourteen Water Bugs and three experienced professionals from Wisconsin. The fourteen Water Bugs included Terry Roslawski, Marty Campbell, Kyle Wohler, Alyssa Modlinski, Corey Krivitz, Michelle Aird, Mike O’Dwyer, Craig Planton, Allie Krumrai, Andy Krumrai, Meghan Moriarty, Kaitlin Moriarty, Peggy Moriarty and Mark Moriarty.  With the help of Geoff Stone from Lauderdale along with Jeremy and Kristin Armstrong from Tommy Bartletts, the United States team competed at two separate locations in China; Dongguan and Wuxi.

The trip began very precariously when the middle leg of our flight was cancelled and the team was forced to divide into three groups, which convened as a team at about three in the morning, just six hours prior to the opening ceremonies and our first competition.  However, once we got to the initial site, Dongguan, and it proved to be one of the best show ski sites in the world, we had little problem generating the energy needed to compete.  Performing four times in two days and coming up four points short of a victory, the Water Bugs were awarded the best male skier – Terry Roslawski and the most original act after Jeremy and Geoff pulled off the back breaker (a back barefooter towing a two ski gainer over the ramp).

The Chinese team provided strong competition with a consistent jump team and a female back barefooter.  Mad City, who claims to have originated the one act show, should be proud to know that China has now adopted their version of that act.  After seeing our one act show on the first day, they unveiled their version very successfully.

The second location was outside of Shanghai in a city called Wuxi.  The weather and the site proved to be a little more challenging.  But after watching a snake slither across the water between the start dock and the jump, the team focused on not falling and successfully won the second competition over the next two days.  In addition to the team award, Jeremy Armstrong was awarded the best male skier for his Sky Ski, jumping and back barefooting at the Wuxi site.

The water skiing proved to be fun and exciting, but the real reward was forming new domestic friendships and warning more about China first hand from our new found friends from China.  We will all cherish this opportunity for a life time.  Gan Bei everyone!