ONLINE EXTRA: Waterskiing

By Oshin Aivazian
Daily Bruin Contributor
[email protected]

While this weekend will be a chance at vacation for some, for
Mike Bonino it will be another test of his skill ““ competing
against other top water-skiers in the collegiate water-skiing
All-Star Tournament.

The tournament will be held in Orlando, Florida, and features
the top water-skiers for six regions in the country in the jump,
slalom, and trick events.

Mike Bonino will compete in the slalom and jump events for the
Western Region team, the only entry among the 19 UCLA
water-skiers.

Teammate Mike Leonardi was also selected to the team, but will
miss the tournament to attend his brother’s wedding.

For Bonino, the quest to make the all-star team started four
years ago when he joined the UCLA water-skiing team and undertook
strenuous early-morning practices.

He feels compensated being selected as an all-star in his final
year at UCLA, and after trying so hard to make the roster for
throughout the entire year.

“It’s the greatest way to cap off the season;
you’re skiing with the best of the best,” Bonino
said.

“It’s nice to be able to accomplish that after four
years of skiing and being on the team.”

Bonino also has a following of dedicated skiers and rooting
friends as he goes to Florida. He is the UCLA water-skiing
team’s top representative.

What they consider to be an all-star quality for Bonino, besides
his skill, is how he supports and advises other water-skiers.

“He’s been really supportive of all other people and
in instructing new skiers to improve themselves,” teammate
Ashley Forbes said.

The support lent to Bonino means that his homecoming will not be
sour, if he ends up without a tournament victory.

During their meeting after the all-star selection process, the
team honored Bonino and planned an array of activities before his
departure.

“The water-ski team here is all about celebrating,”
teammate Jaisha Wray said.

“Even if he doesn’t win, we’ll
celebrate.”