MICHIGAN WATER SKI ASSOCIATION
HALL OF FAME – PRESS RELEASE
4-4-08
The Michigan Water Ski Association (MWSA) is pleased to announce that Marguerite “Willie” Williams-Hatfield has been elected into the Hall of Fame. Willie was introduced to water skiing while attending a summer camp in Holland, Michigan in 1945. Charles R. Sligh was directing a ski show with the Macatawa Bay Water Ski Club and volunteers in the audience were offered a chance to learn how to ski. Willie learned quickly and soon the boys in the club were encouraging her to go over the jump. She made it over on the first try and “Uncle Chuck” invited her back to ski with the group anytime.
The next couple of years Willie honed her water skiing skills and performed in exhibitions around the state. In 1949 she got a break and was invited to ski at the Chicago Railroad Fair. On an inlet across from Soldier Field they held three shows a day and one at night. That fall Willie furthered her show skiing career and went on to ski for Richard “Dick” Pope, Sr. at Cypress Gardens. In 1952 Willie was credited with being the first woman to successfully land a helicopter (360 degree spin) off the jump ramp.
Between shows Willie practiced trick, slalom, and jumping. In 1950 Cypress Gardens hosted the Dixie Water Ski Tournament and Willie entered her first traditional three event competition. She won the Women’s Overall contest with a 1st in jump, 2nd in trick, and a 3rd in slalom. Later that year Cypress Gardens hosted the World Water Ski Championships. Willie placed 3rd in jump, 2nd in trick, and 2nd in slalom. She also represented the U.S. at the 1953 World tournament held in Toronto.
In 1950 the first 3D movie, “This is Cinerama”, was produced. The water skiing segment was filmed at Cypress Gardens and Willie was the girl on top of the three man pyramid. Also that year Willie skied with the Cypress Garden skiers in Acapulco. While there she competed in the Mexican Open and won the Women’s slalom title.
Willie had one of her best years as a competitor in 1952. At the Lakeland ski tournament she took 3rd in jump, 2nd in trick, and 1st in slalom. The Dixie tournament she had placements of 2nd in trick and 3rd in slalom. Competing at the North American Water Ski Tournament and Canadian Open Water Ski Tournament, in Toronto, Willie placed 2nd in jump and 3rd in trick.
The 1952 National Water Ski Tournament was held in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Willie captured the Women’s Overall trophy with a 1st place sweep in jump, trick, and slalom. Her accomplishments were recognized that year and Willie was featured on the cover of the June issue of The Water Skier published by the American Water Ski Association.
Marguerite “Willie” Williams-Hatfield will be formally inducted into the MWSA Hall of Fame on May 31. The Hall of Fame is located in Krupa’s Boat Mart at 3909 South Francis Street in Jackson, Michigan. The induction will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 and is open to the public. The ceremony will include a reception and a tour of the Hall.
The MWSA Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions and/or excelled in the sport of water skiing in the state. The purpose of the Hall is to honor and perpetuate the names of skiers, pioneers, industry leaders, and officials whose accomplishments have made a major impact on organized water skiing in Michigan. For more information about the Hall contact the MWSA at info@mwsa.org or President Don Francis at swaz11@msn.com.
