Aquanuts honor late member

Matt Daams, a former Aquanut, looks through several photo memories of Brian Schaufel, who was given a tribute at Saturday's Aquanut Show. Schaufel, a 26-year member, died March 1 (Jason Arndt/The Report).
Matt Daams, a former Aquanut, looks through several photo memories of Brian Schaufel, who was given a tribute at Saturday’s Aquanut Show.
Schaufel, a 26-year member, died March 1 (Jason Arndt/The Report).

Team remembers Schaufel as dedicated and selfless

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Since 1972, the Twin Lakes Aquanuts have entertained crowds and captured titles at both the state and national levels – and one person was there for more than half of those moments.

Brian Schaufel
Brian Schaufel

Brian Schaufel, a 26-year Aquanut member who died three months ago, received a tribute at last Saturday’s Aquanut water ski show.

Matt Daams, who skied with the Aquanuts for 18 years, said the late Schaufel had a remarkable effect on the program.

“(Brian) meant everything to the team. He was their No. 1 tow boat driver,” said the 38-year-old Daams, who recalled the time he joined the team as a 12-year-old.

“He was a great mentor, he taught everyone,” Daams stated. “I started with the Aquanuts when I was about 12 and skied there until I was about 35.”

Schaufel served the Aquanuts in multiple capacities, including the titles of president, show director, skier and advisor.

Throughout his tenure, Schaufel was a champion boat driver, and according to his obituary, he “was known for his legendary tail walk ending of every show.”

Daams remembered Schaufel as a person who sacrificed his personal time for the benefit of the organization.

“He had a whole family and he’d still be down here five days a week,” Daams said.

The late Aquanut is survived by his wife, Hope, daughter Ashley Schaufel, of Somers, brother Roger and granddaughter Rylie DePriest.

Additionally, he was the uncle of Michelle Schaufel Nielsen and great-nephew Dominic.

Aquanuts’ President Cindy Amore, who presented the family with a framed tribute photo, said the Schaufels will always be Aquanuts.

“You guys just need to know that we are always an Aquanut family,” said Amore, who joked the team plans to stay with them, regardless.

“There is nothing you can do to get rid of us,” she added.


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