Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
USCA Indiana Division Race Results & Reports 2016-2024
7.20.24 Lions Paws for Support Paddlefest, Fish Lake, IN
Check our Facebook page for additional paddling events, photos, and fun throughout the racing season!
USCA Indiana Division State Championship Awards
Each year in the Indiana Division of the USCA, racers from around the state of Indiana and the mid-west compete in the Indiana State Points Championship. The history of the Championships extend back into the early 70's, when canoeing and kayaking broke from being unorganized past-times to the competitive sports that we know them to be today.
It takes a good amount of hard work and dedication to earn a State Championship award. As you look at the names that are present on the trophies, try to remember the greatness of the paddlers to whom they were awarded. On the trophies many National Champions are present and all paddlers have proven their abilities as accomplished racers and athletes.
As you take the opportunity to review the history of each award, keep in mind the honor and accomplishment of each award. There are eleven different categories that are eligible for the Points Championship; State Champions are members of the USCA.
Mike Grube Memorial Rookie Hall of Fame
Mike Grube Memorial Rookie Hall of Fame
Mike Grube Memorial Rookie Hall of Fame
The Mike Grube Memorial - Rookie Hall of Fame trophy is given out each year to outstanding rookie paddlers that participate in the USCA Indiana Division races. For years Mike Grube spent considerable time and energy to bring the sport of canoe racing to others. The trophy is but a small token of respect for his efforts.
Rookie Hall of Fame
2024
Jeff Poland
2023
not awarded
2022
Jon Henderson
Kyle Wills
Vicki Tillotson
2021
Kymberly Byers
2013 to 2020
not awarded
2012
Lori Blaylock, Ken Stetler, Larry Swift
2008
Brian Beato, Steven Horney, Robert Wise
2007
Noel Schutt, Steve Schwinn, Matt Conrad, Meghan McDonough
2006
Bill Arnold, Victoria Ernsberger, Scott Gould, Amanda Hazel, Dan Kennelly, Josh Quintel,
Ethel Ringle, Austin Schwinn, Sarah Tompkins, Lacy Walker, Griffin Williams
2005
Joe Johnson, Candice Martin, Andy Wait, Wendy Brinson, Mark Crettol
2004
Matt Meersman, Jack Wait, Nancy Sawyer, Ted Beatty, Guy Gilman,
Bill Rothwell, Betsy Arnold, Kelly Harrington
2003
Devann Benson, Sonja Gilman, Pam Metts, Alex Wait, Brent Ernsberger
2002
Roger Stark, John Puetz, Ronnie Beach, Paul Kane, Doug Dorsam
2001
Sarah McKibbin, Brian McKibbin, Steve Peterson
Michael Alan Grube, born May 18, 1952, to Walter and Louise Eddington Grube of Rochester, Indiana, where he was raised. Second oldest of four siblings, Connie, Janice, and Jerry, he built his first boat with the Bailey boys and started paddling at age 19. A roofer by profession, a naturalist at heart, he married Regina Walleseke in 1972 then divorced in 1978 never to remarry. A primary focus of Mike's life was his only child, Shannon, who became a world class kayaker and national champion. Enjoying a primitive life style, Mike was content being with his son and paddling friends in the wilderness. Although Mike had a rough-cut manner, his Indiana paddling friends primarily remember his soft heart for helping new paddlers. A free spirit and non-conforming adventurer, Mike would paddle anything that floated and felt most at home out of doors. Mike served in the Indiana Army National Guard and as president of the USCA Indiana Division. With his racing focus on participation, Mike raced with enough gusto to earn state paddling trophies several years. From Olympic kayaks to aluminum canoes, Mike was a well-versed and varied paddler. He volunteered to help many paddling organizations, the United States Canoe Association, the United States Canoe/Kayak Team, the Wabash Valley Canoe Club, and the Indianapolis Canoe Racing Council to name a few. Mike died August 5, 2000, from a massive heart attack doing what he loved to do best, paddling on the water. He is remembered by family and friends as a man who……was one with nature……could charm innocent bystanders into a C2 with him……could cross a finish line not in his boat……would race a boat half swamped (the boat that is)…..didn't have to be right to join in a good argument……in 1998 finally found a wonderful woman, his special Roxie, with which to share his life……was as fine as a frog's hair, and one cain't get much finer than that……pulled all nighters driving to races in a four state region……forgot that a growing boy needs more than potato chips and pork 'n beans as race food……was more interested in competing than winning……wouldn't let no silly truck accident or cracked head keep him down……would not let driving rain or starting 10 minutes late stop him from racing……wasn't real fancy, but had his heart in the right place……took special, and perhaps perverse joy, in the Le Mans start at his Round Barn Race……only joined the Moose Lodge, so he could hold his race there……had strong, well-formed, non-traditional ideas about technique and training……had a pet raccoon……had a personal and loyal code of honor……borrowed boats and returned them in need of repair……called paddlers family……loved whitewater and wilderness trips……used his mother as his personal answering service……was able to achieve his life-long dream of a month long wilderness paddling trip in Alaska……was going to pull his 2000 nationals C2 partner down the course……left us quite suddenly and unexpectedly…………………………..
He gave to the Indiana paddling community his heart, spirit and boyish exuberance. Mike will be missed. Thank you, Michael Alan Grube, for sharing a part of your life with us and for challenging us all to be better than we ever thought we could be.
Paddler of the Year
Mike Grube Memorial Rookie Hall of Fame
Mike Grube Memorial Rookie Hall of Fame
Trophy dedicated by Watermeister Sports
The Heinz Wahl Memorial: Paddler of the Year award is given out annually by the Indiana Division at the winter meeting. We thank each of these members for their individual contributions to continuing the excellence of our paddling organization. (See the Docs & Links page for related form.) The recipients of this award possess the following attributes:
#1 Actively involved with the status of canoeing and kayaking in Indiana.
#2 Promote paddling sports both on and off the water.
#3 Development and mentoring of new paddlers to keep the sport alive and racing exciting with new blood.
#4 Volunteering time to the promotion of paddling events and special activities of the sport.
#5 Dedicated to the excellence in the sports of canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding.
Paddlers of the Year
2024
Jeff Poland
2023
Indiana Race Hosts
2022
Julie Birge
2021
Matt Meersman
Julie Horney
Indiana Div. USCA
2020
Lori Schaffer
Indiana Div. USCA
2019
Deb Kanost
Indiana Div. USCA
2018
Bob Stwalley
USCA 50 Years
2017
Steven Horney / Julie Horney
Indiana Div. USCA
2016
Bill Kanost / Deb Kanost
Indiana Div. USCA
2015
Roger Crisp
Indiana Div. USCA
2014
Dan Plath
NWIPA
2013
Wendy Brinson
Indiana Div. USCA
2012
Ken Stetler
Indiana Div. USCA
2011
Matt Conrad
Indiana Div. USCA
2010
Steven Horney
Indiana Div. USCA
2009
Bill Arnold & Betsy Arnold
Indiana Div. USCA
2008
Mandy Streib
Indiana Div. USCA
2007
Ann Bennett & Diane Crisp
Indiana Div. USCA
2006
Matt Meersman & Ted Beatty
South Bend Paddlefest
2005
Sonja Gilman
Indiana Div. USCA
2004
Buzz Lail
Indiana Div. USCA
2003
Bob Stwalley
Indiana Div. USCA
2002
Nancy & Pat Sawyer
Indiana Div. USCA
2001
Bridget Lail
Indiana Div. USCA
2000
Jan & Terry Streib
Indiana Div. USCA
1999
Earl Metzler
Indiana Div. USCA
1998
Kurt Begue
Indiana Div. USCA
1997
Roger Crisp
Indiana Div. USCA
1996
Jack Root
Indiana Div. USCA
1995
Frank Tinsley
Wildcat Canoe Club
1994
Chuck Lunsford
Hoosier Canoe Club
1993
Mike Grube
Wildcat Canoe Club
1992
Terry Pontius
Wildcat Canoe Club
1991
Jerry Begue
Indiana Div. USCA
1990
Rita Andry
Wildcat Canoe Club
1989
Diane Crisp
Lafayette Canoe Club
1988
Mary Ann Pontius
Lafayette Canoe Club
1987
Gary Hill
Wildcat Canoe Club
1986
Chris Crawford
Hoosier Canoe Club
1985
Chuck Weis
Lafayette Canoe Club
C2 Men's Cruiser
Mike Grube Memorial Rookie Hall of Fame
C2 Men's Cruiser
Indiana C-2 Cruiser State Champions
2024
Matt Meersman
2023
Steve Floria / Sam Welch
2020
Matt Meersman / Danielle Meersman
2019
Guy Gilman
2018
unknown
2017
Bill Kanost / Skeet Craig /
Terry Pontius / Ted Beatty / Matt Meersman
2016
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman
2015
Skeet Craig / Terry Pontius
Ted Beatty / Matt Meersman
Jim Anderson / Larry Swift
2014
Mike Davis
2013
Skeet Craig
2012
Guy Gilman / Skeet Craig
2011
Jim Anderson
2010
Jim Anderson
2009
Brian Benson / Devann Benson
2008
Jim Anderson
2007
Frank Tinsley
2006
Gene Bennett
2005
Matt Meersman / Bill Kanost
2004
Gene Bennett
2003
Gene Bennett
2002
Gene Bennett / Frank Tinsley
2001
Gene Bennett
2000
Kurt Begue
1999
Kurt Begue
1998
not awarded
1997
Gene Bennett
1996
not awarded
1995
Dwight Walker
1994
Richard Osting
1993
Shannon Grube
1992
Richard Osting
1991
Jim Anderson
1988 - 1990
Dwight Walker
1987
Dwight Walker / Gene Bennett
1986
Dwight Walker
1985
Richard Osting
1984
Richard Osting
1983
Kelly Leffingwell
1982
Kelly Leffingwell / Richard Osting
1979 to 1981
unknown
1978
Duane Swisher
1977
Bruce Barton / John Diebold
1976
Bruce Barton / John Diebold
1975
Bruce Barton
1974
Bruce Barton
1973
Rick Diebold
1972
Max Fulks
1971
Max Fulks
1970
Bob Demoret
C2 Mixed Cruiser
C2 Women's Cruiser
C2 Men's Cruiser
Indiana C-2 Mixed State Champions
2024
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman
2023
Matt Meersman / Lacey Buck
2022
Lacey Buck
2021
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman
2020
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman
2019
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman
2018
unknown
2014 - 2017
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman
2013
Roland Muhland / Linda Muhland
2012
Lia Beatty / Deb Kanost
2011
Ted Beatty
2010
Bill Kanost / Deb Kanost
2007 - 2009
Devann Benson / Brian Benson
2006
Lacy Walker
2005
Candice Martin
2004
Patt Oakley
2003
Patt Oakley
2002
Patt Oakley / Jim Anderson
2001
Deb Kanost / Bill Kanost
2000
Deb Kanost / Bill Kanost
1999
Holly Ritchie
1998
Roger Crisp
1997
Patt Oakley
1996
Terry Pontius / Patt Oakley
1995
Frank Tinsley / Martha Wiemer
1994
Frank Tinsley
1993
Julie Vallesky / Frank Tinsley
1992
Patt Oakley
1991
Patt Oakley
1990
Georgia Allen / Perry Allen
1989
Mike Grube
1988
Skeet Waller / Carolyn Waller
1987
Skeet Waller / Carolyn Waller
1986
Cecil Runyon / Sharon Runyon
1985
Connie Barton
1984
Greg Barton
1983
Gene Bennett / Ann Bennett
1982
Cecil Runyon / Sharon Runyon
1981
Cecil Runyon / Sharon Runyon
1980
Phyllis Thomas
1979
Roxanne Triebold
1978
Duane Swisher
1977
Roxanne Triebold / Bruce Barton
1976
Bruce Barton
1975
Carol Davis
1974
Bruce Barton
1973
Roxanne Triebold
1972
Bill Capek / Alice Capek
C2 Women's Cruiser
C2 Women's Cruiser
C2 Women's Cruiser
C-2 Woman's State Championship trophy
in memory of Betsy Walker and Barb Stevens
Indiana C-2 Woman's State Champions
2015-2024
not awarded
2014
Rebecca Davis
2013
Danielle Meersman / Roxanne Barton
2012
Wendy Brinson / Meghan McDonough
2011
Kelly Harrington / Danielle Meersman / Samantha Barton / Rebecca Barton
2009
Patt Oakley
2008
Patt Oakley
2007
Ellen Biddle / Patt Oakley / Lacy Walker /
Meghan McDonough / Sarah Tompkins / Anna Tompkins
2006
Lacy Walker
2005
Sonja Gilman / Wendy Brinson
2002 - 2004
Debbie Kanost / Pam Metts
2001
Patt Oakley
2000
not awarded
1999
Holly Ritchie
1998
Patt Oakley / Holly Ritchie
1992 - 1997
Patt Oakley
1991
Patt Oakley / Cathie Rowand
1990
Patt Oakley / Cathie Rowand
1989
Ann Bennett / Betsy Walker
1988
Ann Bennett / Betsy Walker
1987
Carolyn Waller / Candy Craig
1986
Betsy Walker
1985
Connie Barton
1984
Elaine Bell
1983
Ann Bennett
1982
Julie Bidwell
1981
Ann Bennett
1980
Sharon Runyon
1979
Tricia Yuill
1978
Roxanne Triebold
1977
Connie Barton
1976
Carole Triebold / Roxanne Triebold
1975
Connie Barton
1974
Carol Davis / Matille Christman
1973
Carol Davis
1972
Alice Schmidt
1971
Roxanne Triebold
1970
Iva Sawtel
C2 Standard
C2 Women's Cruiser
C2 Women's Cruiser
Indiana C-2 Standard Class Racer State Champions
2020
George Tinsley / Hilman Culp Jr.
2018 to 2019
not awarded
2017
George Tinsley / Hilman Culp Jr.
2016
Larry Swift / Steve Horney
2015
Larry Swift / Steve Horney
2014
Hilman Culp Jr./ George Tinsley
Tyler Pontius / Shawn Miller
2012 to 2013
Terry Pontius/Skeet Craig
2011
Skeet Craig / Terry Pontius / Bob Demoret / Dave Veach
2011
Ted Beatty / Steven Horney / Dave Hendrick / Andrew Hendrick / Patti Thornburg / Andrew Weeks
2010
Jim Boger
2009
Jim Boger
2008
Kurt Begue / Steve Evertson
2007
Kurt Begue / Steve Evertson
2004 - 2006
Kurt Begue
2003
Kurt Begue / Brian Benson
2002
Mike Beach / Ronnie Beach
2001
Earl Metzler
2000
Dennis Bowers / Bill Hudson
1999
Terry Pontius / Roger Crisp
1998
Frank Tinsley
1997
Terry Pontius / Bill Hudson
1996
Roger Crisp / Bob Benton
1995
Roger Crisp
1994
Roger Crisp
1993
George Tinsley / Frank Tinsley
1992
Frank Tinsley / George Tinsley
1991
Jerry Begue / Frank Begue
1990
Frank Tinsley / George Tinsley
1989
Frank Tinsley / George Tinsley
1988
Skeet Waller / Skeet Craig
1987
Skeet Craig / Skeet Waller
1986
John Heuring / Andy Heuring
1985
John Heuring / Andy Heuring
1984
Ted Bell / Skeet Craig
1983
Bill Hudson / Tim Hudson
K1 Downriver Kayak
K1 Downriver Kayak
K1 Downriver Kayak
Indiana K-1 Downriver Kayak State Champions
2021 - 2024
Brent Ernsberger
2020 (tie)
Brent Ernsberger / John Christensen
2019
Brent Ernsberger
2018
Brent Ernsberger
2015 - 2017
Brent Ernsberger
2012 - 2014
Lori Blaylock
2010 (tie)
Matt Conrad / Earl Metzler
2006 - 2009
Betsy Arnold
2005
Earl Metzler
2004
Earl Metzler
2003
Steve Peterson
1998 - 2002
Earl Metzler
1997
Holly Ritchie
1996
Jason Crisp
1995
Dan Plath
1990 - 1994
Shannon Grube
1989
Scott Mantie
1988
Mike Grube
1987
Mike Grube
1986
Pat Dempster
1985
Skeet Craig
1984
Gary Hill
1983
Gary Hill
1979 to 1982
unknown
1978
Craig Holmes
1977
Kerry Fox
1976
Greg Weber
1975
Tim Redebuch
1970 - 1974
Todd Adams
C1 Cruiser
K1 Downriver Kayak
K1 Downriver Kayak
Trophy donated by
John Zellers and
Bob Demoret
Indiana C-1 Men's State Champions
2024
Bill Kanost
2023
Skeet Craig
2021 - 2022
Bill Kanost
2020
Ted Beatty
2008 - 2019
Bill Kanost
2007
Gene Bennett
2006
Gene Bennett
2005
Matt Meersman
2004
Bill Kanost
2003
Bill Kanost
2000 - 2002
Dan Oren
1999
Kurt Begue
1998
Terry Pontius
1997
Dwight Walker
1996
Dwight Walker
1995 (tie)
Jim Anderson & Dwight Walker
1994
Jim Anderson
1993
Gene Bennett
1992
not awarded
1991
Richard Osting
1988 - 1990
Dwight Walker
1987
Gene Bennett
1984 - 1986
Richard Osting
1983
Kelly Leffingwell
1982
Kelly Leffingwell
1981
Richard Osting
1978 - 1980
Tom Thomas
C2 Aluminum
K1 Downriver Kayak
K1 Men's Sea Kayak
Aluminum State Championship trophy
donated by Lafayette Canoe Club
Indiana C-2 Aluminum State Champions
2022 - 2023
Hilman Culp Jr. / George Tinsley
2021
Hilman Culp Jr.
2020
Hilman Culp Jr. (+1) / George Tinsley
2019
Hilman Culp Jr. / George Tinsley
2018
unknown
2011 - 2017
Hilman Culp Jr. / George Tinsley
2010
Hilman Culp Jr. / Jack & Andy Wait
2006 - 2008
Hilman Culp Jr.
2005
Jack Wait / Andy Wait
2004
Hilman Culp Jr. / George Tinsley
2000 - 2003
Hilman Culp Jr.
1995 to 1999
not awarded
1994
George Tinsley
1992 to 1993
not awarded
1991
Tom Lauy / Tom Lauy Jr.
1990
William Dahl / William Fraiser
1989
Roger Crisp / Robert Hickman
1988
Shannon Grube
1987
Shannon Grube / Mike Grube
1986
Shannon Grube
1985
George Tinsley
1984
Dwight Walker / Bruce Murphy
1983
Gene Bennett / Bruce Murphy
1982 (tie)
John York Jr. / Randy York
Skeet Waller / Doug Schmidt
1981
Skeet Craig / Terry Pontius
K1 Men's Sea Kayak
K1 Women's Sea Kayak
K1 Men's Sea Kayak
Sea Kayak State Championship trophy
donated by Mary Ann & Terry Pontius
Indiana Men's Sea Kayak State Champions:
2009 - 2024
Matt Conrad
2008
Brian Beato
2007
Brent Ernsberger
2006
Brent Ernsberger
2005
Guy Gilman
2004
Guy Gilman
2003
Billy Hudson
2002
Steve Peterson
2001
Ed Behnk
K1 Women's Sea Kayak
K1 Women's Sea Kayak
K1 Women's Sea Kayak
Women's Sea Kayak State Championship trophy donated by Earl Metzler and
Frank Tinsley
In 2005 the Indiana Division of the United States Canoe Association voted unanimously to approve the creation of a separate Sea Kayak class giving special recognition to women's sea kayakers. Starting in 2006 the trophy will be awarded to the top woman sea kayaker in the state.
Indiana Women's Sea Kayak State Champions:
2016 - 2024
Deb Kanost
2015
Colleen Curran
2014
Deb Kanost
2013
Lori Blaylock
2012
Lori Blaylock
2008 - 2011
Wendy Brinson
2007
Ethel Ringle
2006
Sonja Gilman
K1 Open Kayak
K1 Women's Sea Kayak
K1 Women's Sea Kayak
K1 Open Kayak State Championship trophy donated by Fluid Fun
In 2007 the Indiana Division of the United States Canoe Association voted unanimously to approve the creation of a separate K1 Open Kayak class.
In 2014 the Indiana Division of the United States Canoe Association began to separate K1 Open Man and K1 Open Woman classes. K1 Open Man results continue here after 2014. See section below* for K1 Open Woman beginning in 2014.
Indiana K1 Open Men's Kayak State Champions:
2023 - 2024
Jon Henderson
2022
Ted Beatty
2021
Steven Horney
2020
Brent Ernsberger
2014 - 2019
Steven Horney
Indiana K1 Open Kayak State Champions:
2009 - 2013
Steven Horney
2008
Sonja Gilman
2007
Austin Schwinn
K1 Open Kayak Woman*
K1 Open Kayak Woman*
K1 Open Kayak Woman*
Indiana K-1 Open Women's State Champions
2017-2024
not awarded
2014 - 2016
Sonja Gilman
OC1 Man
K1 Open Kayak Woman*
K1 Open Kayak Woman*
Indiana OC-1 Men's State Champions
2019-2024
Steven Horney
2018
not awarded
2017
Matt Meersman
2015-2016
Steven Horney
C4
K1 Open Kayak Woman*
C1 Woman
Indiana C-4 Open State Champions
2020
Matt Meersman / Danielle Meersman / Ted Beatty / Kelly Harrington
2019
Bill Kanost / Ted Beatty /
Sonja Gilman / Guy Gilman
2018
Matt Meersman / Danielle Meersman /
Ted Beatty / Kelly Herrington
2017
not awarded
2015-2016
Guy Gilman / Sonja Gilman/Bill Kanost / Deb Kanost
C1 Woman
K1 Touring Woman
C1 Woman
Indiana C-1 Women's State Champions
2023
Lori Schaffer
2018-2020
not awarded
2017
Wendy Brinson
2015-2016
not awarded
2014
Wendy Brinson
K1 Touring Woman
K1 Touring Woman
K1 Touring Woman
Indiana K-1 Touring Women's State Champions
2015-2024
not awarded
2014
Colleen Curran
OC2
K1 Touring Woman
K1 Touring Woman
Indiana OC2 State Champions
2019 to 2024
not awarded
2018
Steven Horney / Colleen Curran
2017
Ted Beatty / Steven Horney
SUP
K1 Recreational
K1 Recreational
Indiana SUP Man State Champions
2017 - 2020
Steven Horney
K1 Recreational
K1 Recreational
K1 Recreational
Indiana K1 Recreational State Champions
2017
Sue Payne Douglas
Past Events and Fun
Subscribe for the latest updates!
USCA Indiana Division
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.