First and third place Open Division finishers Harrington and Cornish

Jan. 3. Eleven-year old Logan Harrington of Davidson became the youngest competitor to win the Open Division of the Lake Norman New Year’s Day Barefoot Challenge. 

At last year’s tournament he asked the tournament judge for permission to compete in the Men’s Division instead of the separate Junior’s division. Based on his skill level, the judge permitted the then 10-year-old to compete against the men. Logan ended up winning the Men’s Division, requiring him this year to compete in the Open Division, consisting of the top contestants regardless of age or sex. 

Van Jantzen, 16, of Tega Cay, won the Open Division in last year’s tournament. This year he knew he had formidable competition from 11 year old Harrington. Jantzen went first with an impressive performance including a backward flying dock start, four backward one foots combined with 76 seconds on his feet for a total score of 416 points.

But it was Harrington’s long five minute, three second time coupled with 125 points for his tumbleturn start and tricks that gave him the lead with 427 points. In his second round, Harrington boosted his score to 466 points. Barefoot skiing Hall of Famer, John Cornish, 73, of Irmo, SC finished third with 241 points.

In the Men’s Division, Logan’s father, Court Harrington, 43, came out on top with 175 points, followed by Scott Martin, 55, of Mooresville, with 128 points and third place first time contestant, Cole Worley, 27, of Gretna, VA, with 114 points. 

Mark Kale, owner of Lake Norman Marina, pledged $1 per point earned by all the contestants to be donated to charities serving those still suffering in western North Carolina due to hurricane Helene. Total points earned were 2,341, plus an additional $120.00 cash donations yielding $2,461.00 going towards the charities.

Held annually on New Year’s Day, 17 contestants from age 6 to 82 came from New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia and North and South Carolina to compete in the 47th year of the tournament. It is sanctioned by USA Water Ski & Wake Sports, organized by the Carolina Show Ski Team and hosted by Lake Norman Marina in Sherrills Ford. 

More information can be found at: www.facebook.com/Newyearsdaybarefoot and https://www.carolinashowski.org/new-years-day-barefoot-challenge.