Our Story
Bob Knake and Paul Atherton created the Hartwick Huskys Ski Club in 1965 on Lake Delhi because, "We thought it was a nice way to get everyone together on the lake."
The club incorporated with the name "Hartwick Huskys" for two reasons:
(1) because the old town of Hartwick is submerged under the waters of Lake Delhi; and
(2) "Huskys" to honor the Husky-Ruchotzke family. Merlin Ruchotzke, his wife, and their three daughters were killed in a car accident while returning from a ski tournament in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Huskys called Lake Delhi home until July 2010 when extreme flooding breached the earthen levy attached to the Lake Delhi Dam and drained the lake. In 2011, the team reached an agreement with the city of Manchester, and now call Schram Park their home.
In 2018, when the lake was back, the Huskys returned and performed their water ski show for the Lake Delhi residents in July at Lost Beach. While the home shows will continue to be at Schram Park in Manchester, they will continue to perform a Wednesday and Saturday show each July on Lake Delhi. Be sure to check the schedule for dates and location.
Each year the Huskys compete in two USA Waterski sanctioned tournaments: Regionals and Nationals. In 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 the Hartwick Huskys were the D2 Midwest Regional Champions. In 2009, 2011, 2018 and 2019 the Huskys were D2 National Champions.
Rain or shine, hot or cold, the Huskys take to their skis, beginning as early as May until the school year begins in August. The members love to get together throughout the year and have formed many life-long friendships.
The Huskys strive to teach teamwork, communication skills, physical fitness, water safety, and showmanship. Since the beginning, the Huskys have recognized water skiing as a sport where age is not a factor and families can participate together.
The non-profit club is currently 115 members strong and even larger number of former Huskys. Members includes all age groups from Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Central City, Coggon, Delhi, Delaware, Dyersville, Dubuque, Earlville, Farley, Hopkinton, Manchester, Monticello, New Vienna, Ryan and surrounding areas . Children from 6 different school districts make up the Hartwick Huskys Ski Team. The oldest skier is 49 years old and youngest is 3 years old.
The club incorporated with the name "Hartwick Huskys" for two reasons:
(1) because the old town of Hartwick is submerged under the waters of Lake Delhi; and
(2) "Huskys" to honor the Husky-Ruchotzke family. Merlin Ruchotzke, his wife, and their three daughters were killed in a car accident while returning from a ski tournament in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Huskys called Lake Delhi home until July 2010 when extreme flooding breached the earthen levy attached to the Lake Delhi Dam and drained the lake. In 2011, the team reached an agreement with the city of Manchester, and now call Schram Park their home.
In 2018, when the lake was back, the Huskys returned and performed their water ski show for the Lake Delhi residents in July at Lost Beach. While the home shows will continue to be at Schram Park in Manchester, they will continue to perform a Wednesday and Saturday show each July on Lake Delhi. Be sure to check the schedule for dates and location.
Each year the Huskys compete in two USA Waterski sanctioned tournaments: Regionals and Nationals. In 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 the Hartwick Huskys were the D2 Midwest Regional Champions. In 2009, 2011, 2018 and 2019 the Huskys were D2 National Champions.
Rain or shine, hot or cold, the Huskys take to their skis, beginning as early as May until the school year begins in August. The members love to get together throughout the year and have formed many life-long friendships.
The Huskys strive to teach teamwork, communication skills, physical fitness, water safety, and showmanship. Since the beginning, the Huskys have recognized water skiing as a sport where age is not a factor and families can participate together.
The non-profit club is currently 115 members strong and even larger number of former Huskys. Members includes all age groups from Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Central City, Coggon, Delhi, Delaware, Dyersville, Dubuque, Earlville, Farley, Hopkinton, Manchester, Monticello, New Vienna, Ryan and surrounding areas . Children from 6 different school districts make up the Hartwick Huskys Ski Team. The oldest skier is 49 years old and youngest is 3 years old.
50th Anniversary
The Huskys celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2015.
They are hoping to continue with the fun and excitement for many years to come.
They are hoping to continue with the fun and excitement for many years to come.
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