USA Water Ski announced today that it has named Bob Crowley as the organization's new executive director. Crowley brings more than 20 years of executive management experience to the national governing body of organized water skiing. He will begin his new position on June 1 and work part-time until July 1.
"We are excited that Bob Crowley has signed on to help take our organization to the next level in its development," said Jim Grew, president of USA Water Ski. "His success in both sponsor and membership development is most welcome. With an experienced and dedicated staff teaming up with him, we can look forward to renewed energy and focus."
Waterskiers held on tight as powerboats pulled them across the 26-mile channel from Long Beach to Catalina Island and back again, during the 62nd annual Catalina Ski Race, July 17.
Each year, large crowds of spectators -- on shore and on the water -- gather to watch the heated competition. This year, spectators lined the docks of Pier J, Queen Mary to see which skier would be the first to cross the finish line. On the water, boaters had a front seat to the high-speed race that had 77 entries this year, an increase over last year.
“It went very well, with one of the closest finishes in history,” said Ken Vaughn, race director for the 2010 Catalina Ski Race.
Todd Haig of Riverside County was out to defend his record of 50:13, but came in second to Australian racer Peter Proctor -- by one-half second. Nine-time winner Haig came in at 55:55.26, and Proctor took the event with a time of 54:54.39.
