By WSM Press Release
Published: April 28, 2008
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ORLANDO, Fla. – 10 amateur divisions took to the waters of the Orlando Watersports Complex today to battle for points and pride during their semifinals of the 2008 Air Nautique Wake Games. Riders not only looked to advance in their respective division, but were also vying for a spot on one of the 10 Air Nautique Wake Games teams.

The Jr. Men's Division featured the largest field of riders in today's contest with nearly 20 of the most talented young shredders in the world. Robert Soven, Harley Clifford, Jacob Valdez and Steel Lafferty each led their heats in today's quarterfinals with Valdez posting the highest score (63.89). All four rippers will be joined by eight other riders in tomorrow's semifinals.

Six riders advanced past today's Men's I semifinals with Sam Thomson posting the high score (67.78). Tim Clinton led the Men's II Division and will be joined by two other riders in Sunday's finals.

The Jr. Boys Division was led today by Joe Martella. Martella will face off against Ben and Parker Watts in the finals. Kyle Evans posted the high score in today's Boys' semifinals with a 72.67. Evans will be joined by five other riders for Sunday's finals.

Kat Laird (Masters Women), Taylor McCullough (Girls) and Morgan Cresent (Jr. Women) each led their respective heats today and will all advance to tomorrow's finals.

Four riders advanced past today's Masters semifinals with Kevin Michael posting the highest score of the division, 61.11. Steve Weisser and Matt Vermillion will both move onto the Veterans finals after advancing past today's semifinals.

Amateur riders will also have a shot to pick up some extra cash at the Air Nautique Wake Games, as Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Company (PCM) is sponsoring the PCM Amateur Best Trick Award. This award is a $500 bonus presented to an amateur rider chosen by tournament officials for landing the most impressive trick of the contest.

To catch all the wakeboarding action from home, tune in to Fuel TV. For exact air dates, visit www.kingofwake.com.

Fuel TV is a 24/7 action-sports lifestyle network for wakeboarding, skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX and freestyle motocross. A unit of Fox Cable Networks, Fuel TV was launched July 1, 2003, and is seen in 24 million U.S. homes. To subscribe to Fuel TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit fuel.tv.

The Air Nautique by Correct Craft is the exclusive tow boat of the Wake Games and the WWA Nationals. Celebrating more than 80 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a family-owned manufacturer of internationally acclaimed, competition-caliber water-ski and wakeboard boats, as well as boats for recreational enjoyment. Correct Craft Inc. is known for superior-quality products, cutting-edge technology and innovative hull designs.

ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful energy drink – Developed to increase the recovery time of those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles, ROCKSTAR Energy Drink is available in ten amazing flavors. You can find Original, Sugar Free, Juiced, Zero Carb, Guava, Pomegranate, Punched and Roasted Mocha, Roasted Vanilla Light and Roasted Latte at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and throughout the UK.

WakeBoarding, published by Bonnier Corp., is the official magazine of the Air Nautique Wake Games. WakeBoarding is the definitive source on all things wakeboarding, with expert coverage of professional instruction, gear, boats and the latest news.

The Air Nautique Wake Games is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla. The Wake Games have the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, PCM, Fox, Mona Vie, the U.S. Air Force, Central Florida Toyota, Hyperlite, CWB, Gator Boards, Ronix, Oakley, Reef, Cire, wakeworld.com and the theliquidcircus.com.

Girls (13 and under)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 McCullough, Taylor 53.00

2 Ethell, Meagan USA 38.00

3 Koch, Tori 32.89

Masters Women

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Laird, Kat 56.67

Junior Boys (9 and under)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Martella, Joe 52.22

2 Watts, Ben 44.11

3 Watts, Parker 23.33

Boys (10-13)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Flegel, Noah USA 60.56

2 Swink, Cooper USA 57.44

3 Prizer, Cody USA 53.89

4 Pedersen, Morgan USA 39.33

Boys (10-13)

Semi Finals Heat #: 02

1 Evans, Kyle USA 72.67

2 Wayne, Freddie 57.33

3 Harrison, Jarrod USA 51.78

4 Holihan, Robby USA 39.56

Boys (10-13)

Semi Finals Heat #: 03

1 Koch, Paulie USA 59.11

2 Shuler, Gus USA 51.56

3 Prizer, Ben USA 36.33

Men's 1 (19-24)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Heinz, Tyler USA 61.44

2 Leonard, Colt USA 61.11

3 Hanson, Michael USA 53.89

4 Ward, Prescott USA 45.56

5 Underwood, Clayton USA 42.22

Men's 1 (19-24)

Semi Finals Heat #: 02

1 Thomson, Sam 67.78

2 Link, Lewis USA 60.56

3 Haynes, AJ USA 54.89

4 Ashley, Fabian USA 54.44

5 Gearhart, Brad USA 50.00

6 Loken, Jake 25.78

7 Stults, Dylan USA 13.33

Men's 1 (19-24)

Semi Finals Heat #: 03

1 Rivait, Dylan 57.78

2 Cook, Travis USA 45.00

3 Rodriguez, John USA 41.44

4 Reyngoudt, Sean 40.00

5 Bannatyne, Jason USA 25.56

6 Bivins, Trey USA 18.33

7 Hanson, Hunter USA 14.44

Men's 2 (25-29)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Clinton, Tim USA 50.00

2 Dunbar, Jesse USA 36.67

3 Bagnaro, Joey USA 27.78

Masters (30-39)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Lowe, Chad USA 57.78

2 Poser, Brandon USA 47.78

3 Barton, Jeff USA 40.00

Masters (30-39)

Semi Finals Heat #: 02

1 Michael, Kevin WIS 61.11

2 Chrisman, Ben 58.61

3 Monaco, Anthony USA 55.00

4 Robertson, Kurt NZL 50.00

5 Hewlett, Tore 33.33

Veterans (40 and over)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Vermillion, Matt USA 61.67

2 Weisser, Steve 30.00

Junior Women (14-18)

Semi Finals Heat #: 01

1 Cresent, Morgan USA 51.11

2 Hajek, Anna USA 48.33

3 Finley, Holland USA 45.00

4 Kulp, Victoria USA 38.33

5 Petraitis, Danni USA 35.00

6 Wright, Emylee 30.56

7 Blaschka, Megan 26.11

Junior Men (14-18)

Quarter Finals Heat #: 01

1 Clifford, Harley AUS 60.56

2 Perrone, Christopher USA 55.00

3 Valdez, Eddie USA 46.67

4 Kress, Taylor USA 41.11

5 Graydon, Alex USA 33.33

Junior Men (14-18)

Quarter Finals Heat #: 02

1 Valdez, Jacob USA 63.89

2 Burnstein, Danny USA 56.11

3 Shearer, Andrew USA 48.89

4 Homsey, Pierce 40.00

5 Perrone, Daniel USA 38.89

6 Renfroe, Taylor USA 26.11

Junior Men (14-18)

Quarter Finals Heat #: 03

1 Lafferty, Steel USA 56.67

2 Cohen, Julian USA 47.78

3 Galotifore, Nick 37.22

4 Jeffries, John USA 35.00

Junior Men (14-18)

Quarter Finals Heat #: 04

1 Soven, Robert USA 57.78

2 Askew, Jarrod 50.56

3 Shuler, Gunnar USA 42.78

4 Connell, Mitchell 36.67

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