McClures host water ski championships

Pleasant Shores information

Pleasant Shores hosted the Ohio State Water Ski Championships on July 25-26. This event brought in skiers from all over the state to decide the best in Ohio and determine eligibility for the Midwest Regional tournament in Chicago, Illinois.

Thanks to the many local sponsors, the tournament was a huge success. All competitors received t-shirts and goodie bags filled with donations from local sponsors. The banquet was held at Vantage Career Center.

Pleasant Shores is owned by the McClure family, which competed in the Midwest Regionals as well. Jim McClure placed first place overall, as well as first in the jump competition in his age division. He was chosen to be the chief boat driver for the regional event.

Eldest daughter Kristin McClure also placed first place overall, as well as first in the slalom event in her respective age division. Younger sister Kayla McClure competed in the same age division as Kristin and placed third overall, as well as second in the jump competition. The second place jump finish occurred despite a hard fall on the first jump of three taken.

Jim McClure is also an appointed driver for the national competition held in West Palm Beach, Florida, August 11-15. He and daughter, Kristin, both competed in the slalom, trick and jump events at Nationals.

Pleasant Shores is looking forward to three more events this season and will be encouraging participants to support the local sponsors. The finals for the Buckeye Buoy Tour will be held August 22-23. The Ball State Fling, a collegiate event, will be held September 19-20. The Great Lakes Conference Championships, a larger collegiate event, will be held September 26-27. The Van Wert community is encouraged to attend and learn more about the sport of water skiing.