Water Ski Team Holds Bittersweet Reunion

Just because it's been 10 years since the Lake Padgett Water Ski Show Team disbanded doesn't mean members haven't stayed close.

In fact, some 50 former members of the team gathered in Land O' Lakes in late August for a reunion.

"This very cohesive group had not gotten the chance to get together in 10 years," said Vicki Kollar-Anderson.

Kollar-Anderson said the reunion was "very emotional."

During the event, members watched videos of past performances at Cypress Gardens and regional competitions. They also spent time reminiscing about "the privilege of having such a close bond of friends that supported one another in so much more than water-skiing."

In addition, surviving members paid homage to those who have died. Former members recognized were Bill Corder, Bruce and Sara Grubb, Timothy Blaise, Thomas Kranendonk, Sean Millen, Tim Taylor, Donnie Bailey and Hal Eglin.

The ski team formed as a family oriented club in 1975 and was disbanded in 2001. The club's purpose, according to Kollar-Anderson, was "to promote the sport of water skiing through group participation, shows, tournaments and recreational activities that included the entire family together."

In its heyday, the club had about 100 members, ages 2 to 80, with most members residing in Lake Padgett Estates.