Sparks, Nev. – The action continued at Sparks Marina today, as the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR hosted nine division finals, where riders competed for U.S. national titles. But for 12-year-old Illinois native, Taylor McCullough, today was about building on the momentum of her blossoming career.
Fresh off a photo shoot with Sports Illustrated and recently signing with several leading industry sponsors, McCullough made the most of her opportunity on the water today by winning her third consecutive U.S. national title in the Girls division.
“I want to accomplish as much as possible,” said McCullough. “My dream is to turn pro, so I like to make the most of every opportunity to help me become a better rider.”
McCullough began wakeboarding seven years ago in her hometown of Centralia, Ill. and hopes to make the transition from amateur ripper to pro rider within the next two years.
“I keep training, trying to get better everyday,” said McCullough. “I spent the past few weeks preparing for Nationals and was really happy with the way I rode today.”
With today’s win, McCullough has punched her ticket to represent the United States at the 2010 Wakeboard World Championships later this year, where she will have the opportunity to defend her world title.
In addition to McCullough, eight other riders took home a national title today, including Alexa Score, Jodi Vermillion, Allison Blaha, Forrest Risner, Jeremy Baker, Matt Vermillion, Brad Spencer and Nevada native Jen GilanFarr.
The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard Nationals, presented by ROCKSTAR will continue tomorrow, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., where 11 divisions will hit the water, including the Pro Women and Pro Wakeskate divisions. The event is free to public on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday’s event will each require a ticket.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).
In addition to all the action on the water; on land, spectators will enjoy great food and music; athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
Also be sure to pick up your share of $10,000 in free gift cards from Overton’s, the official water-sports retailer of the King of Wake series. Fans can also register to win a $500 Overton’s catalog shopping spree.
For more information on the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR, visit allisports.com.
The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton’s, Peavey, MonaVie, FOX, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, PCM Marine Engines, WakeBoarding magazine, FUEL TV and Allisports.com.
About Air Nautique
The Air Nautique by Correct Craft is the exclusive tow boat of the WWA Nationals. Celebrating 85 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft Inc. is the producer of the Nautique line of boats. The manufacturer of Nautique is known for delivering superior quality product, cutting-edge technology and exceptional service experiences.
About ROCKSTAR
ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles - from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in thirteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, and Recovery. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.
About WWA
The World Wakeboard Association (WWA) is a rider formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers, and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and events, check out www.thewwa.com
About FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the action sports lifestyle network for skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross, and wakeboarding. Through its original and commissioned series and specials, short-form content, films, and prestigious event coverage, the channel features action sports athletes, emerging musicians, celebrities, and breaking news. FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 30 million U.S. homes. FUEL TV has networks in Australia (FUEL TV Australia) and Portugal (FUEL TV Portugal) and its content is viewed in more than 50 countries around the world.
About WakeBoarding Magazine
WakeBoarding, published by Bonnier Corp., is the official magazine of the Pro Tour. Read about all things wakeboarding, with expert coverage of professional instruction, gear, boats and news.
About King of Wake
The King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from throughout the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The 2010 series consists of the Wake Games, the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, the WWA Wakeboard World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing – the leading wake-events producer since 1988.
About Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action-sports tours and events, multimedia production and a consumer-facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the King of Wake series, Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship and Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli Productions creates original content, produces and presents content with partners and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes.
Thursday, July 15 – Day 2 Results
Amateur Women Final
1. Alexa Score - 73.33
2. Brittany Schroeder - 56.67
3. Amanda Schwartz - 46.67
Girls Final
1. Taylor McCullough - 66.67
2. Rachel Orgill - 53.33
3. Hannah Green - 33.33
Masters Women Final
1. Jodi Vermillion - 56.11
2. Kim Polhamus - 43.33
3. Christine Cameron - 30.00
Veteran Women Final
1. Allison Blaha - 66.67
2. Susan Sheehan - 53.33
3. Geri Robertson - 40.00
4. Paula Fay - 30.00
Women Wakeskate Final
1. Jen GilanFarr - 76.67
2. Lizzie Williams - 60.00
3. Kristine Gagnier - 43.33
4. Brittany Fletcher - 30.00
Amateur Wakeskate Final
1. Forrest Risner - 70.00
2. Jim Branton - 58.33
3. James Evans - 35.00
Masters Final
1. Jeremy Baker - 80.00
2. Billy Garcia - 70.00
3. Brandon Poser - 56.67
4. Jason Neagle - 40.00
Veterans Final
1. Matt Vermillion - 63.33
2. Darren Holsey - 56.67
3. Gene Williams - 36.67
Men I Final
1. Brad Spencer - 70.00
2. Tim Walters - 56.67
3. Trevor Maur - 46.67
4. Clayton Underwood - 30.00
Jr. Boys Beginner Semifinal (top four riders advance)
1. Tyler Worrall - 78.33
2. Hunter Henderson - 71.67
3. Carter Mather - 55.00
4. AJ Capuzzo - 50.00
===
5. Kade Kasey - 48.33
6. Tanner Higham - 33.33
Jr. Boys Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Andrew Scheafer - 60.00
2. Benjamin Brown - 50.00
Pro Veterans Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Rickey Gonzalez - 61.10
2. Dean Lavelle - 50.00
Men II Semifinal (top three riders advance)
1. Tim Clinton - 63.33
2. Nick Link - 56.67
3. Brad Gearhart - 48.33
===
4. Chris Dykmans - 30.00
5. Nick McBride - 13.33
Jr. Men Semifinal (top rider in each heat advances)
Heat #1
1. Kyler Green - 58.89
===
2. Matt Kirk - 51.11
3. Alec Rex - 45.00
4. Ahren Benziger - 28.89
Heat #2
1. Chad Payton - 51.11
===
2. Nick Vaccari - 36.67
3. John Sly - 13.33
Heat #3
1. Yansey Crew - 46.67
===
2. Justin Payton - 45.00
3. Clint Westbrook - 33.33
Heat #4
1. Morgan Pederson - 56.11
===
2. Skyler Fulster - 53.33
3. Dante Digangi - 38.33
Heat #5
1. Robbie Culp - 51.11
===
2. Danny Faulkner - 31.11
3. Jake Eller - 13.33
Heat #6
1. Will Green - 70.00
===
2. Joey Buss - 48.33
3. Jamie Hamrick - 35.56
Jr. Pro Men Quarterfinal (top two riders in each heat advance)
Heat #1
1. John Jeffries - 75.00
2. Freddie Wayne - 73.55
===
3. Jacob Valdez - 67.35
4. Taylor Kress - 61.90
Heat #2
1. Pierce Homsey - 80.00
2. Ryleigh Pfitzner - 72.50
===
3. Aaron Brown - 68.60
4. Aaron Abel - 57.00
Heat #3
1. Michael Dowdy - 80.50
2. Clay Fraley - 70.85
===
3. Joshua Twlker - 69.65
4. Kyle Evans - 57.80
Heat #4
1. Daniel Powers - 77.00
2. Cooper Swink - 71.30
===
3. Gus Shuler - 68.65
4. Keenan Allen - 61.85
Heat #5
1. Steel Lafferty - 82.00
2. Hunter Stich - 69.55
===
3. Connor Bitton - 68.25
4. Gunnar Shuler - 57.60
Heat #6
1. Nick Galotifore - 74.30
2. Julian Cohen - 73.75
===
3. Jarrod Askew - 66.35
4. Gordon Harrison - 64.40
