The Team
Individual Honors
In addition to Backwater Gambler team member awards, various awards are given out every year at the regional and national levels, such as the most valuable male and female performers of the entire tournament. Members may also compete in their own individual competitions at the regional and national level. The Backwater Gamblers have had several past or current members over the years achieve the highest honors at both levels.
National Tournament Award Winners
| Year | Skip Gilkerson - Most Valuable Male | Year | Willa Cook - Most Valuable Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | David Claver | 2012 | Trista Foster |
| 2013 | Garth Peter | 2005 | Mary Bortz |
| 2010 | David Anderson | 2003 | Chris (Ridgley) Thornburg |
| 1997 | Jim Post | 2001 | Trista (Menzer) Foster |
| 1997 | Gretchen Post |
Central Region Tournament Award Winners
| Year | Best Male Performer | Year | Best Female Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | David Anderson | 2015 | Tagen (Tipton) Dressman |
| Year | Strap Doubles Individual Champions | Year | Swivel Individual Champion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Michael Becker & Kennedy Scott | 2015 | Trista Foster |
| 1994 | Tim Fogel & Trista (Menzer) Foster | 2014 | Trista Foster |
Team USA Members
Starting in 2012, a world show ski tournament is held every two years with teams competing from the USA, Australia, China, Belgium, Canada, and Germany. Only 35 people including skiers, boat drivers, and announcers are selected from the entire country to be a part of each team. The Backwater Gamblers have several members that have been selected to be a part of Team USA for the World Tournaments.
| Year | Name | Position | Tournament Location | Team Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Collin Ridgley | Announcer | Mulwala, New South Wales, Australia | |
| 2022 | David Anderson | Skier | Winter Haven, FL, USA | 1st |
| 2020 | David Anderson | Skier | Mulwala, New South Wales, Australia | Canceled |
| 2018 | David Anderson | Skier | Huntsville, Ontario, Canada | 1st |
| 2016 | Trista Foster | Skier | Wisonsin Rapids, WI, USA | 1st |
| 2016 | Brint Burrill | Boat driver | Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA | 1st |
| 2014 | Brint Burrill | Boat driver | Janesville, WI, USA | 1st |
| 2012 | Brint Burill | Boat driver | Janesville, WI, USA | 1st |
Think that's impressive?
Come to a show and you'll see several of these award winners perform!
