By Jack Burden

The water ski community is mourning the loss of Jean-François Rapp, a French champion skier and revered coach, who passed away aged 69 this week.

Rapp first made his mark as one of France’s brightest young talents. A multiple-time national champion in slalom and overall in the 1980s, he was ranked third in the world when the first official world ranking list was published in October 1979—behind only American greats Bob and Kris LaPoint.

One of the first French skiers to split his time between Europe and the United States, Rapp became a familiar presence at Florida ski schools and eventually forged a lifelong friendship with Jack Travers. That bond brought him to Sunset Lakes, where he became part of the Travers Ski School coaching staff and community for decades.

In recent years, Rapp’s greatest legacy has been as coach and mentor to the Duplan-Fribourg brothers—Louis, Pol, and Tristan—guiding them from juniors to the elite stage. Under his watch, Louis claimed the World Overall title in 2023, Pol captured the University World Overall crown earlier this year along with multiple junior world jump titles, and Tristan has emerged as one of the sport’s most exciting new trick prospects, joining the exclusive 12k club this season. For the family, Rapp was more than a coach—he was family.

Tributes poured in from across the skiing world. Lelani Travers reflected on his lifelong bond with her husband, Jack:

“Jean Francois Rapp has gone on to what we know is a better place. Oh my goodness, the stories those two wild boys could tell. They spent a lifetime loving this sport and the people in it. He will always bring a smile to our faces and have a huge place in our hearts.”

Pol Duplan-Fribourg dedicated his University World title to Rapp:

“This man didn’t just teach me how to be good at waterskiing; he also had to put up with me for many years, never counting the minutes he spent in the boat, always giving his very best every single second. Beyond skiing, he taught me what it means to be a man—how to carry myself, how to make the most of life, and how to seize every opportunity that comes our way.”

Rapp’s influence could be felt in Louis Duplan-Fribourg’s World Championships performances as well, with one friend describing him as a patient craftsman who helped polish one of the sport’s brightest diamonds.

From the heights of the 1970s ranking list to the shores of Sunset Lakes and the world’s biggest stages, Jean-François Rapp dedicated his life to waterskiing. He will be remembered not only for his results, but for his devotion, warmth, and the generations of athletes who carry his lessons forward.

By Jack Burden

The water ski world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Stephanie Stange, a beloved figure in the sport both on and off the water. Stange, 55, was fatally struck by a pickup truck while bicycling outside Denison, Texas, on Thursday evening, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. She was transported to Texoma Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.

A multiple-time national slalom champion, Stange most recently won the Masters Women’s slalom title in 2023. Off the water, she was a Senior Scorer and served as an appointed official at the 2024 National Water Ski Championships.

Her influence on the sport extended through her family as well. Her two children, Parker and Griffin Stange, were standout skiers for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating earlier this year after helping lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to multiple collegiate titles.

In a statement shared by the AWSA South Central Region, Stephanie was remembered as “vibrant, down-to-earth, and full of joy,” someone who brought warmth and humor to every conversation. “She had an incredible way of making everyone feel seen and valued… Stephanie lived her life with courage, laughter, and love.”

Beyond skiing, Stange was a chiropractor in Sherman, Texas, and an adventurer with a deep love for her family, her community, and the sport she helped elevate for decades.

She is survived by her husband Dave, and their two children Parker and Griffin. The entire water skiing community joins them in grieving the loss of a remarkable woman — an athlete, official, mother, and friend who gave so much to the sport and the people within it.

By Jack Burden

The waterskiing community and beyond are celebrating the life of Dr. James Dayle “J.D.” Morgan, who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 88 in Lake Wales, Florida. Known as much for his pioneering accomplishments on the water as his decorated career in medicine, Morgan leaves behind a legacy of excellence, determination, and family tradition.

Lauren Morgan, his granddaughter and a world-class professional jumper, captured the sentiment of many: “You taught us that life wasn’t about taking the easy way out. It was about hard work, dedication, and living with purpose… We’ll miss you, papa skier. But we’ll keep pushing forward, just like you taught us. Legends never die.”

Born in Perry, Iowa, Morgan’s life was one of extraordinary achievements. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his M.D. in 1961, he served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Captain in 1980. His military tenure included roles as a flight surgeon and senior medical officer aboard the USS Independence. Afterward, Morgan operated a private dermatology practice in Lake Wales until 2012.

Yet, it was on the waters of America’s lakes and rivers that Morgan truly made waves. A fierce competitor and a stalwart of the sport, he began skiing in the 1960s and quickly rose to prominence, claiming national titles and records through the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. He represented the U.S. in the inaugural World Veteran Team Competitions in 1983 and 1984, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.

Beyond competition, Morgan was instrumental in shaping the sport’s future. As president of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation (AWSEF) from 1996 to 2005, he spearheaded the creation of the American Waterski Hall of Fame, which opened in 2013. His contributions earned him the AWSEF Award of Distinction.

Morgan’s impact extended to his family, where his love for the sport became a generational legacy. His sons, Mike and Zack, achieved national championship titles, with Mike representing the U.S. in world competitions. Lauren Morgan continues the family’s dominance as one of the world’s premier jumpers.

While his accolades are many, Morgan’s influence stretched beyond titles. He was a mentor, a relentless advocate for the sport, and an enduring symbol of grit and passion.

For those who knew him, on the water or off, Dr. Morgan wasn’t just a legend. He was an inspiration.

By Jack Burden

Mike Osborn, a legendary figure from the early days of water skiing and a USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame inductee, has passed away. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, Mike was recognized as one of the best men’s jump competitors of his era, helping to advance the world record during the late 1950s.

Mike’s passion for water skiing began at the age of six, following in the footsteps of his boating and competitive swimming parents. Initially focused on competitive swimming, his drive shifted to water skiing after being inspired by classmates excelling in the sport. By age 15, Mike was already skiing at the iconic Cypress Gardens in Florida, where he became known not only for his athletic skills but also for his comical performances as “Corky the Clown.”

In 1959, Mike reached the pinnacle of his competitive career, winning both the National Men’s Jumping and Overall Championships, and tying the national jump record at 142 feet. That same year, he represented the United States at the World Championships in Milan, Italy, where he earned three individual medals and was a key contributor to Team USA’s victory in one of their closest competitions to date. His unique jumping style, which appeared almost upside-down at times, became his trademark and distinguished him from his peers.

At the height of his career, Mike was featured in several nationwide advertising campaigns, including a memorable stunt in which he skied over a jump ramp while shaving for a Rapid Shave commercial, delivering the line, “Make it fast, make it smooth!”

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Outside of water skiing, Mike pursued a successful entrepreneurial career. He founded Osborn Marine in Winter Haven, Florida, in 1969, a business that built custom boat models and became a hub for top marine products. Mike worked alongside his wife, Nancy, and his father, LaRue, in the family-run enterprise.

Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their three sons, Mark, Mitch, and Matt. His passion for sports extended to his family, as they shared a love for dirt bike racing in their later years, even purchasing a motorcycle dealership to support their hobby.

An incredible competitor and early pioneer of the sport, Mike will be greatly missed.

By Jack Burden

JD Wiswall, a former junior world champion and professional jumper, has passed away at the age of 52 after a long battle with cancer. The Alabama native displayed incredible talent from a young age, breaking numerous records as he advanced through the junior ranks, and collecting a number of national, collegiate, and world titles along the way.

A U.S. national record holder in both junior slalom and jump, Wiswall was selected to represent Team USA at the inaugural Under-17 World Championships, where he became the first-ever junior world jump champion. Two years later, he would replicate that feat by defending his title at the second edition on the Yarra River, making him one of only four skiers to this day to win multiple junior world jump titles. In total, he won five medals across the two World Championships, finishing as the runner-up in overall at both tournaments.

Wiswall attended Northern Louisiana University (NLU), now the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he helped the NLU Indians reclaim the national title after they had experienced their first loss in a decade, securing individual jump and overall titles in 1990.

A brash and confident competitor, Wiswall’s performance at the 1991 NCWSA Nationals became legendary. Jumping with heavily bruised ribs from a slalom crash the previous day, “Turbo,” as his teammates called him, took to the water as the second-to-last skier of the tournament, needing an outright win to secure the team’s title. After posting the leading score on jump one, he stared down the final skier, University of Central Florida’s (UCF) John Swanson, and yelled, “I’m your worst nightmare!”

Swanson, however, was up for the challenge, winning the jump title and guiding UCF to their first ever team title. The Wiswall-Swanson rivalry would go down as one of the most epic in collegiate water ski history.

Wiswall’s best performances came at the slower speed and ramp height of junior and collegiate competitions, where his aggressive style was used to maximum advantage. However, he also had success in the elite ranks, winning the 1989 World Games, Open Men’s jump at the 1994 U.S. National Championships, and regularly competing on the Bud Water Ski Tour through the mid-1990s.

He remained engaged in the sport until the end, attending the last two World Championships as a spectator. During the 2021 World Championships, he expressed his excitement and anticipation in an interview with FlowPoint TV, hoping to see the first woman jump 200 feet.

A fierce and intense competitor on the water, but a gentle and kind soul off it, Wiswall will be greatly missed.

By Jack Burden

Carl “Bill” Wenner, Jr., a beloved figure in the water skiing community, has passed away at the age of 92. Originally from Upstate New York and later residing in Auburndale, FL, Wenner’s legacy in the sport spans decades and leaves an indelible mark.

Inducted into the Florida Waterski Federation Hall of Fame in 2011, Wenner was a lifelong supporter of water skiing. Wenner was born into a family of avid snow skiers. His father saw water skiing for the first time in a newsreel at the movies, then built his own skis using sneakers for bindings. And so began Wenner’s lifelong passion for the sport.

Wenner dedicated over 75 years to the water skiing world, serving as a senior judge for nearly four decades and participating in various capacities. His contributions extended beyond his own achievements, as he served as President of the American Water Ski Association from 1974 to 1976 and the American Water Ski Educational Foundation for many years, retiring from the Board of Trustees in 2011.

His infectious passion for water skiing was evident in his active involvement as an athlete, official, board member, and volunteer throughout his life. He established the Bill Wenner Scholarship, awarded to deserving youth competitors at the Florida State Championships, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of water skiers.

Wenner’s remarkable career garnered numerous accolades, including the Tommy Dorwin Outstanding Judge Award (1983), American Water Ski Hall of Fame Award of Distinction (2007), and induction into the Florida Water Ski Hall of Fame (2011). Beyond his achievements, Wenner was cherished for his positive spirit, lively personality, and encyclopedic knowledge of the sport.

He often joked that he had met so many friends over the years that he would never have to stay in a hotel if he were to drive across the country.

As we mourn the loss of Bill Wenner, we celebrate his remarkable life and enduring contributions to water skiing. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Donations may be made in his name to The Scholarship Fund at http://www.usa-wwf.org

By Jack Burden

The water skiing community is mourning the loss of a dedicated and beloved member, Dean Chappell. A stalwart volunteer, coach, and cherished figure within Illinois water skiing circles, Chappell’s impact on the sport and the community will be enduringly remembered.

An avid three-event skier, Chappell holds the Midwest region jump records for Men’s 5-8 and the Illinois state overall records for Men’s 5, 6 & 8. As recently as last year, he set a pending Men’s 8 (70-74 years) regional jump record at an impressive 111 feet (33.8m).

Representing the U.S. on numerous occasions, Chappell clinched first place in Over-65 Men’s Jump and won gold as part of the U.S. team at the 2018 Over-35 World Championships in Santiago, Chile. This achievement led to the well-deserved recognition of the team as the USA-WSWS Team of the Year.

Chappell’s commitment to water skiing transcended the ordinary. Despite a challenging moment where he broke his neck while jumping, he continued competing well into his 70s. As one of the original Midwest Air Force jumpers, Chappell’s legacy is synonymous with tenacity and a driving force for the growth of water skiing in the region.

His influence extended far beyond his personal achievements. As a Senior-rated driver, judge, and technical controller, Chappell was always ready to contribute at tournaments, generously sharing his knowledge and passion. In the collegiate realm, he served as a coach and mentor for the Illini Waterski Team, leaving a lasting impact on numerous young skiers. His dedication was further evident in hosting and officiating at countless MCWSA Regionals and other collegiate events.

The Chappell family remains an integral part of the tournament waterskiing scene in the Midwest. Kelly and Troy Zoellner, Chappell’s daughter and son-in-law, along with grandchildren Jaret and Julia Zoellner, continue to be actively involved with the PITS Water Ski Club in Decatur, Illinois.

Dean Chappell’s legacy lives on not just in records and achievements but in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and ski alongside him. He will be profoundly missed, and his contributions to the water skiing community will be remembered with gratitude and fondness.