Hailey Waldo
Reporter@greenepublishing.com
The Cherry Lake community has plenty to celebrate after the local “Glas Pack” returned home with five trophies, including two national championship titles, from the Wakeboard National Championships held in Boca Raton, Fla.
Known throughout Cherry Lake at the “Glas Pack,” the four young athletes have been competing in water sports for the past seven years, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. This year’s national championship featured five days of multi-level competition, bringing together many of the nation’s top wakeboarders and wakeskaters.
Leading the way was Harrison Glas, who earned second place in Men’s Wakeskating and captured first place in the Open Men’s Wakeboarding (Semi-Pro) division, earning the title of National Champion.
Bowen Glas also had an outstanding performance, finishing third in the Junior Men’s (ages 14-18) Wakeboarding division before claiming the National Championship in Men’s Wakeskating.
Harper Glas placed third in the Women’s Wakeboarding division, while Cinco Glas finished among the nation’s top 10 competitors in the Boys 10-13 Wakeboarding division.
Wakeskating differs from wake boarding in that riders are not attached to the board, making it more comparable to skateboarding on water and requiring exceptional balance and board control. The Glas Pack’s outstanding performances showcased years of dedication and practice while proudly representing Cherry Lake and the state of Florida on the national stage.
With their strong finishes at nationals, all four athletes have qualified to compete at the Wakeboard World Championships in September, where they will once again represent their hometown against some of the best competitors from around the world.