(Chris Rossi) How's it hanging Will?

(Will Asher) Bit to the left actually!!!
 

(CR) So that everyone knows who you are (like they don't already), where were you born, how old are you, occupation, and any sponsors?

(WA) I was born in Boston England, in 1982, which makes me 21. I am currently a full time student working my way to a degree in Marketing, at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Let the good times roll GEAUX CAJUNS!!!

My sponsors are:
Goode skis
UK Sport lottery
Hazelwood Ski World (UK)
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

(CR) What's it like growing up in England and trying to ski?

(WA) Growing up and trying to ski in England had its ups and downs, in the summer it could be amazing, hanging out at my lake and skiing during the day, and eating barbeque and socializing with the rest of the members by night. On the other hand, in the winter I had some of the most torturous days of my life. We used to do winter trick training, being a slalom skier this was already painful enough, without having the odd days where we were breaking the ice to make a path. It was hard at the time, but I don’t think I would be where I am now with out those days.

(CR) Do a lot of people ski in England?

(WA) There is a good following on the British water ski scene, I am not sure on the exact figures, but I know there are 6 or 7 tournament lakes with in an hour of my house. There aren’t many people who can say that. My family owns a sick lake in England called “Hazelwood ski World,” which is a thriving skiing community created by Maurice Hazelwood, the father of Mike Hazelwood and my Grandfather. It’s due to his commitment to the sport, and his family that we were able to reach our current levels. This family has produced 3 world champions, in myself, world U21 Slalom Champion, Mike Hazelwood (my Uncle), world overall and jump champion, and Tim Hazelwood (My Uncle and Mike’s Brother) world senior jump champion.

(CR) Isn't the season really short?

(WA) The season is really short if you’re fussy, but if you are willing to put on the long suit, and wrap up warm, you can make a decent season out of it. I’m sure you northerners will know what I mean. We used to start skiing 3 events in mid may, and continue until late September.

(CR) When we were there this August the water was freezing cold!
Who were your role models growing up?  Which skiers did you look up to and why?

(WA) Being the younger of two brothers in the Asher family, I used to look up to my brother Tom. Being two years the senior, he would be doing things I would only dream of. Like smashing British records and winning European titles. When we were growing up we would push each other and have mini tournaments, set stupid goals and experiment with new ideas. My father played a major role in our achievements, supporting us in all of our decisions. He came from a rugby background, so having little to no knowledge of the sport. We used to watch videos of the pros, and see things they were doing and try and relate them to our skiing. I guess it enabled me to develop my own style and rely on my feeling rather than someone else’s.

(CR) When was your first pro tournament?

(WA) I skied in the Café De Colombia world tour stop in Teeside England; I think the year was 1997.

(CR)How did you do?

(WA) Well I didn’t make it past the first round, but I don’t think I was expecting to. I might have run a couple at 38 off. Which was good for me at the time.

(CR) What was it like to ski with all of the great skiers?

(WA) Skiing with the pros was an amazing experience, it gave me motivation and drive to one day be stood on the dock next to them.

(CR) When was your first pro tournament in the US?

(WA) My first pro event in the US was the Master Craft Pro Water ski championships, in Charleston 2002.

(CR) How was it different than in England and Europe?

(WA) There was a totally different crowd. I got to meet and watch skiers I had only seen on videos and in magazines, which was awesome. Even though I didn’t ski too great I had a blast watching all the pros rip it up.

(CR) Where you welcomed in the US or did you feel like an outsider?

(WA) I feel I was made really welcome in the US. I have made my way around and skied with a bunch of people, and made some really good friends along the way. Ski Tech has been visited many times and is still one of my favourite places to ski and hangout.

(CR) What are your career accomplishments to date?

(WA) :

-2003 Princes Pro AM Slalom Champion
-2003 World U21 Slalom Champion
-2003 European Slalom Champion
-2003 -2000 European U21 Slalom Champion
-2002-2003 European U21 Overall Champion
-2003 Spanish Masters Slalom Champion
-2nd 2003 World Championships Slalom
-2nd 2003 French Masters Slalom
-2003 Collegiate National Slalom Champion.
-4th 2003 Master Craft pro Water-ski Championships Charleston
-4th 2003 Malibu Open Sacramento
-3rd World U21 Championships Jump
-Ranked #1 in World U21 Slalom 2001-2003
-4th on World Elite Slalom Ranking List
-European U21 Slalom Record Holder 3@41off
-World U21 Slalom Record Holder 3@41off
-British U21/Junior slalom record Holder
-Collegiate National Slalom Record Holder 3½@41off

(CR) What event sticks out in your mind as your best or most rewarding moment?  Why?

(WA) It would have to be the Princes pro AM in England, they have such a cool format with the head to head final, and I know Duncan (the organizer) puts a lot of effort into the event. It was also my first Professional win.

(CR) You had a great year last year and followed it up with an amazing one this year.  What has helped you to advance this rapidly?  What changes are you making?

(WA) I tried to stay focused, as there are so many distractions out there. I worked really hard over the winter and learned from my own mistakes. I also found a ski I enjoy riding, and feel I can get close to my potential. I am not planning on making any major changes for 2004, I need to keep working hard over the winter, and keep evolving my style.

(CR) What ski are you riding?

(WA) The GOODE 9500, 65.5, 160amp with a power shell on the front, and a fruit loop on the back.

(CR) Where are you right now?

(WA) Sitting in PJ’s coffee house (Lafayette, LA) doing this interview and sipping a latte.

(CR) How is school going? Is it hard to study and ski at the top level?

(WA) School is awesome, it’s an awesome place with a bunch of awesome people. I just finished finals last week, so I finally have my life back. After such a busy year with skiing, and missing five weeks of school, it feels good to be able to wind down. 

(CR) How do you do it?

(WA) I have a great bunch of committed ski and study partners here at school, which make life a lot easier. We will go to class in the morning, ski for a few hours after lunch, hit the books in the late afternoon and evening.

(CR) What car do you drive?

(WA) I recently purchased a 1998 DODGE Ram pickup Black. Life is so much easier having wheels. It’s bad news for you guys at Ski Tech though; it means I’m going to be there a lot more.

(CR) What's in your CD player right now?

(WA) I like a variety of music, but I am a sucker for house music especially on the long drives. So Paul Oakenfold is spinning in there right now. I also like Linkin Park, Good Charlot, and the music videos for Britney Spears and Christina Agulara.  

(CR) What's in the Play station?

(WA) I’m not a big fan of the play station, but I like the war games, such as Medal of Honour and James bond.

(CR) Thanks for your time bro!