Oklahoma City, Okla. – The top amateur wake athletes from throughout the United States hit the waters of the Oklahoma River in the Oklahoma City, Okla. today for the first day of action at the 2009 Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR.

The WWA Nationals is a five-day event featuring pro and amateur wakeboarders and wakeskaters, competing for U.S. national titles in 20 different divisions, separated by age and skill level.

Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR kicked off its first day with semifinal rounds for eight of the 20 divisions, where more than 60 riders battled it out on the water for a spot in their respective division’s finals, held tomorrow.

Several Oklahoma natives were among those advancing onto tomorrow’s finals, including Rachel Orgill, 12, of Edmond, OK and Ashley Gwartney, 21, from Jenks, OK. Gwartney and Orgill both lead their heats today in the Amatuer Women and Girls division, respectively.

Orgill, Gwartney and the other remaining finalists in the eight divisions will look to will battle it out in tomorrow’s finals, where a new U.S. national champion will be crowned in each of the eight divisions.

The WWA Nationals continue tomorrow, Thursday, July 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event runs through Sunday, July 12.

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.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).

For daily schedules, results, standings, photos, videos, athlete bios and more, please visit Allisports.com.

The Nationals is a World Wakeboard Association (WWA) sanctioned event. The World Wakeboard Association is a rider formed organization dedicated to growing and promoting wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, organizers, and competitive standards.

The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla. The WWA Nationals have the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Fox, the U.S. Air Force, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Gator Boards, Oakley, Ride the Wake, FUEL TV and Allisports.com.


The Air Nautique by Correct Craft is the exclusive tow boat of the WWA Nationals. Celebrating 84 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.



WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 – DAY 1 WWA NATIONALS RESULTS:

Amateur Women – Semifinal #1
1. Ashley Gwartney 39.44
2. Eric Dumeyer 32.22

Girls – Semifinal #1
1. Rachel Orgill 58.33
2. Delanie Parker 50.00
3. Chelsea Kress 36.67
4. Emily Harmon 26.67

Girls – Semifinal #2
1. Taylor McCullough 70.00
2. Charmane Lally 60.00
3. Katelyn Fenner 50.00
4. Madyson Chance 33.33

Masters Women – Semifinal #1
1. Kat Laird 48.33
2. Elizabeth Freeman 36.67
3. Susan Sheehan 23.33

Masters Women – Semifinal #2
1. Allison Blaha 50.00
2.Geri Robertson 36.67
3. Jennifer Busser 26.67

Amateur Wakeskate – Semifinal #1
1. Matt Haydon 73.33
2. Michael Roeder 63.33
3. Jarret Cofer 51.67
4. Bobby Sutherland 30.00

Amateur Wakeskate – Semifinal #2
1. Jim Branton 63.33
2. Clayton Stich 53.33
3. Justin Wells 41.67
4. Devin Canney 30.00

Women Wakeskate – Semifinal #1
1. Jen Gilanfarr 65.00
2. Bethany Henderson 56.67
3. Brittany Fletcher 40.00
4. Hanh Williams 23.33

Masters – Semifinal #1
1. Jeremy Baker 60.11
2. Billy Garcia 52.22
3. Jeff Barton 44.44
4. Kenneth Smith 27.00

Masters – Semifinal #2
1. Christopher Full 66.11
2. Steve Jones 58.22
3. Jason Neagle 50.44
4. Kevin Michael 49.22
5. Matt Grant 38.11

Masters – Semifinal #3
1. Mike Vanpatten 66.44
2. Brent Anderson 56.89
3. Anthony Monaco 47.56
4. Tol Swindell 44.78
5. Kenneth Williams 33.33

Veterans – Semifinal #1
1. Matt Vermillion 60.56
2. Sammy Roberts 33.67
3. Larry Cofer 23.89

Veterans – Semifinal #2
1. Tommy Fambrough 47.33
2. Michael Fay 29.22
3. Faron Kelsh 08.33

Mens I – Semifinal #1
1. Lewis Link 62.78
2. Travis Cook 58.33
3. Nick Foren 34.44
4. Scott Morgan 32.78

Mens I – Semifinal #2
1. Brad Spencer 56.67
2. Lucas Harold 41.67
3. Luke Romero 30.56
4. Tyler Heinz 23.33

Mens I – Semifinal #3
1. Hunter Hanson 67.22
2. Lief Lacey 62.89
3. Clayton Underwood 57.11
4. Kyle Woehler 44.44