SYRACUSE — Rain, a brief thunderstorm, just 90 minutes prior to the line-up of the 58th Wawasee Flotilla, didn’t dampen any spirits. All entries showed up to travel around the lake and show off their college spirits. The eight shore entries were also ready to support their college spirit.

The parade was led by 10 wooden/antique boats thundering around the lake announcing the start of the flotilla.

Women of Today’s entry featuring Lucas Oil Stadium and Fatheads of commodores Tom and Holly Tuttle received this year’s Commodore’s Trophy. This is not the first year for the group to receive the Commodore’s Trophy or a top award.

Other top award winners included a unique entry by Deb Farmer and and Michelle Straessle who connected two pontoon boats for a salute to Monster University. This dual entry received the Most Original Youth trophy and the Most Spirited Youth Trophy.

The College Game Day Tailgate entry by Barney Niezer received the It’s All Good Award. This entry featured several university and college as well as a large balloon.

The annual Wawasee Property Owener’s Association Award was given to Jim Kroemer’s entry featuring Animal House.

Jordan Fraser’s entry using a sail boat focused on Purdue University and Boiler Up.

Dan Buchman/State Farm featuring Ohio State, receiving the first place Business/Commercial Award.

Mohawk Pier and Lift receiving the Most Original Business/Commercial award with their salute to the Big 10.

Kathy Graham’s entry on Purdue received the Non-profit first place award while the Price Family’s entry on College Spirits was awarded the Most Original Non-Profit award.

Dave Stell featuring the School of Hard Knocks received the Lake Wawasee History award.

The entry of the Denny Bailey Family featuring a House Divided received the Neighborhood Award.

The List Family Award (Most Original) was presented to Lindsey Traub’s entry featuring Ball State and Purdue.

T.L. Jackson Construction was presented the Most Patriotic award.

The All Nighter award was given to the McCully and Rauch entry.

Bob McNary and The NautiBelle received the Fratty Award featuring Animal House and the College of Hard Knocks.

The Studious Award was presented to Bob and Char Sheehan’s entry featuring his pontoon honoring the Michigan Wolverines.

John Topham’s entry for the University of Southeran Indiana Screaming Eagles received the Flotilla University Honors.

The Evensville Purple Aces, entered by Andrea Hoeppner received the Flotilla University Legacy award.

The Flotilla University Valedictorian Award was given to Mike Barger’s entry of a pontoon honoring the American Flag.

A Master’s Degree award and GDI award were given to two entries featuring Animal House and Defensive Driving School. The entrants are not known.

Wooden/Antique Boat Awards

John Feighner’s CrisCraft Capri named Life of Rilley received first place in the antique boat category. Second place went to Kevin Scheid’s 1932 CrisCraft Triple named “Class of ’32.”

“On Point” owned by the McNichols family, a CrisCraft Custom, received first place in the wooden boat category. Second place went to Luke Knecht’s 1968 Riva.

On Shore Awards

On shore awards were presented to three of the eight entries. Neighbors Roger and Kris West and Becky Schaefer Arnold tied for the first place Neighborhood Shore Participation Award. The Wests featured an entry titled “Show Us Your Banners,” while the Arnold’s entry was a Boilermaker Blast Off.

The Most Spirited Neighborhood Shore Participation Award was presented to Erica Bettcher’s entry of The Great American Tailgate.

The Spink Condominium received the Home Association Award.

Other shore entries included the Collegiate Collage by Freese/Duncan; Notre Dame by Dennis Pynaert and Shayna Stump; Ohio State vs. Texas by the Zipfel family; Animal House by Dave and Deb Mayer.