Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of the Eastern Region,

It seems as though the seasons are finally taking a warmer turn here in Virginia. I hope the Northeast is not far behind, for those of you who are itching to get on the water!

We have gotten an early start on our Junior Development plans for this season in VA.  With the 3 day, 3 night clinic on Timberlake, Lake Holly and Lohr’s Lake already sanctioned, mostly planned and largely staffed, we are thinking it’s going to be one heck of a great event.

The VA Jr. Development committee is also hoping that we will draw more participation from around the region this year. We hope that this clinic serves as an opportunity for friends who only get to see each other a couple times a year (regionals/nationals) to connect and spend some more time forming long lasting bonds.  That said, spaces are limited, and we have been full each of the last two years.  We have granted priority registration to clinic alumni. That pre-registration is closed and the clinic already has about 8 entrants. Our maximum is 24 so we are already 1/3 full!  The only way to secure your spot is to send all of the registration materials and payment to the clinic registrar.  The “tuition” is $250 per skier.

The clinic will run June 22-24, with drop-off starting Sunday evening June 21 at 5pm.  Transportation to and from the clinic is the responsibility of the participant and his/her family. Conveniently, Lake Holly (site of this year’s regionals) is holding a Slalom and Jump tournament the weekend before the clinic starts. Lohr’s Lake will be hosting a trick tournament on Wednesday afternoon at the conclusion of the clinic.  Timberlake will also host a small jump tournament at the conclusion of the clinic. These are great opportunities to qualify for regionals or nationals, and also to achieve the tournament requirement for attending this clinic.

Other minimum requirements for this clinic are as follows:

• Slalom – Skier must be able to cross wakes continuously.
• Trick – Must be able to deep water start reliably on one or two skis.
• Jump – Waiver must be signed. First set will be cutting only.

TG Powell has created a website for the Jr. Development clinic. On it you can find the registration forms and address for Tiffany Prine, the clinic registrar.  Also, find a link to the volunteer sign up page. TG has also created an online sign-up forum for those who would like to share in and contribute to the success of the Sparta Clinic.  The website is: http://www.vawaterski.org/junior-development.html

I’m also excited to announce at this time that Eastern Region All-Star and 3-eventer JJ Paulovich has committed to coaching at the clinic. Former pro skier, Susie Lohr, will also be coaching all three events.  We are lucky to have such tremendous homegrown talent coming back to help out.  We’ll also have incredible drivers for the brand new Nautique, Master Craft, Malibu and Centurion that will be used at the clinic.

Please start planning ahead and getting those applications in! We start the wait list after 24, and will do our best to accommodate everyone!

As always, contact me with any questions or for more info.

Or contact TG with any questions regarding volunteering or the online sign-up.

Peace, Love & Waterskiing,

Corey Vaughn