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Member Spotlight
Bob and Rita Alexander What do you like most about ski racing? What (not who) do you like least (be nice)? What keeps you coming back? I like that everyone is there to have a good time, its almost like a big family. I also like the competitiveness that goes along with it. my least favorite thing is falling! I could really do without the falling...even though it has only been 2 seasons everything keeps me coming back! even the occasional falls...It was hard coming into a new sport like this and want to say thanks to everyone that's helped me along the way... What has been your biggest accomplishment related to ski racing (can be on or off the water)? Why was this your biggest accomplishment? What are your future goals? My biggest accomplishments were winning high points in the Mens marathon for the senior men class this past season in 2009, and skiing the 2009 Catalina Race for the first time with Brent Griffin in the over and back class...we took 2nd place. My future goals are to ski the 2010 Catalina Race and have another great season! What is your favorite ski racing memory, story or legend? My favorite memory is winning high points in the Senior Mens class this past season. Anything else you would like to include (150 words or less). Occupation, other accomplishments, ski racing hero, mini bio, etc. A little about me, I'm 27 and have lived in Yorba Linda / Orange County all of my life. I hae an older brother, Joey, and my supportive parents, Richard and Cathy. I have and still work for the Orange County Fire Authority for 8 years at the Headquarters and Training Center in Irvine. One last shout to my Uncle Larry Gebhart, my observer......Thanks.
Bob Alexander - I started skiing with NWSRA in 1990 in the Catalina Race. I've been in many classes and also placed in those classes. I was on the podium in unblown prop {
Rita Alexander - My first race was at
Brian Samaniego
When and where was your first ski race? Did you drive, ski or observe? Why did you enter the race? What do you remember most about the event? Was there anyone who helped you or influenced your participation? My first race was in Havasu, 2008. I skied in the hands out front circle race behind jim banard in the 501 boat, and bill navaro in the 468 boat. The first day i didn't get up, and the second day i won, granted it was me and one other person. I went with Terry Jesse and my uncle Larry Gebhart to help out with the rescue team, and decided to sign up. I have skied most of my life and love it, once i saw the ski races i had to try it out.
Team: LMI Racing
Boat: #79 Wells Craft Viper
Duties: Skier, Driver
Duration in NWSRA: 2001-2004, 2008-Present
Residence: Thousand Oaks, CA
Age: 35
Career: Middle School Math Teacher
Children: Saylor 3 ½
Hobbies: Boating, Golf, Hanging with Saylor
Ski Racing Accolades: 2003 Region II High Point Champion Men’s Novice, 2004 Region II High Point Champion 26-32 Men, 2007 Catalina Ski Race 1st place Men’s Novice
My first race was in Long Beach I believe in 2001. I showed up with a ski, a wet suit, and a desire to race. I was so nervous. Jeff Barrus must have seen the green in my face. He introduced himself and asked if I needed any help. All I could muster was “Ya, how do I sign up?” Jeff walked me up to registration and introduced me to a few people. It was one of those situations where I knew I had no clue what was going on, and I knew less than I realized. Showing up with a ski is one thing, but you can’t race with out a boat, and the boat can’t move with out an observer. I needed a ride and a spotter. Jeff took me over to his father at the brand new Nordic 21 Blaze, and asked if Lonnie would pull me in my very first race. Lonnie Fluent’s response was, “Sure, I’d love to pull him.” Scott Spiller was inspecting the boat at that moment and offered to observe for the race. Scott did a great job explaining how everything was going to work, what I should expect, and what the goals would be for my first time. Go time. I jumped up on the deck of the boat to strap on the ski, and as I put my foot into the binding, I ripped the binding right off the ski. We sat in the infield and watched the race. Welcome to racing.
A lot has changed for me since that first race: I won a few races, won a couple high points, earned 2nd at Nationals in 2004, skied to a 1st place men’s novice finish/top 35 overall in the 2007 Catalina Ski Race, now have a race boat in the family.
Throughout my short time involved with ski racing, one component has remained the same, the spirit of the people involved in this incredible sport. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the support of many people along the way. John Fry has to be one of the most patient drivers. Men’s Novice circle racing has all the variables. Besides working on the patience threshold, missing starts and falling gave John and Ron Cummings many opportunities to work out hand signals. Despite the “learning” curve John stuck with me and pulled me in all of my circle races from 2001-2004.
My greatest accomplishment in ski racing was finishing the 2007 Catalina Ski Race. The Catalina Race had been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and after 3 years of trying to secure rides, it finally happened. I was beyond ecstatic just to have completed the race with out quitting or falling. When final times were posted, I found out I had won my class (Men’s Novice)! To fulfill a life long dream, and to come out on top of my class was more than I would have ever believed possible.
When people talk to me about ski racing what I try to convey is the friendship of the sport, the camaraderie, the fact that everyone is more than willing to help any other racer out. It is so much fun! NASCAR on the water I tell them.
What I have enjoyed the most about my second round in ski racing is being able to give back to the sport, the way the sport supported me. John Fry appeared to always be excited to pull me, Scott Spiller, Ron Cumming, Barry Obler, Mike King have all been incredible observers and have given help and support to make me a better skier. Even now as I transition from a skier to a driver I find myself with no shortage of resources to gain knowledge and support from.
My dad and I sit on the beach every race, and we talk about how neat it is, and how much we have enjoyed watching the “kids” grow up in this sport. I am proud to watch, support and cheer for the “kids” who used to give me high fives after a race. I am in awe of what Sam, Roy, Trevor, Brady, Corbin, Cameron, and others have been able to accomplish the past few years. I enjoy cheering for the people who cheered for me.
Ski Racing is about competitive family fun. It is a family I am grateful, proud, and excited to be a part of. It’s incredible to hear my 3 year ask “Dada, when do we get to go ski racing again?” I smile, and say, “Not soon enough Saysay.”
Aging, having a family, and sustaining serious ankle and knee injuries two years in a row has had a big impact on my future aspirations in ski racing. I no longer dream of reaching 90mph and beyond. I am happy to ski my race and be able to walk back to the trailer and hug my daughter afterwards. Every race I enjoy pulling skiers more and more. I would love to give a first timer the opportunity that I was given when I first showed up on the beach. I love skiing Catalina, and my aspirations lie in continuing to improve my time in the World’s Greatest Ski Race.
Ski Fast, Ski Safe, and afterward come by for some bbq sausage, tri-tip, and a cold beverage.
