The Formative Years
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1960
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The water ski club was officially created - without a name though.
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The new water ski club was one of four founding member groups of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation.
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1961
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Tom Kuhlow, Bill Manthey, Wayne Manthey, and Roger Sterk purchased a kit boat, which they named "4 Aces." Those four individuals, Don Snyder, and Roy Lentz decide to name the water ski club "Rock Aqua Jays" - Rock (for the Rock River), Aqua (Latin for water), and Jays (Janesville High School bluejay mascot at the time). Thus, the club formally becomes known as the Rock Aqua Jays. (August 10)
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| Began with 25 members and focused primarily on traditional 3-event water-skiing. Performed a few water ski shows each summer. | |
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1963
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Hosted the Wisconsin State 3-Event Tournament.
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1964
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Hosted the Blackhawk Open 3-Event Tournament.
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1971
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Started performing weekly water ski shows on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.
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1974
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Added Sunday evening performances.
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| Built the first-ever 3-tier pyramid on water. |
