Ralph Armstrong’s involvement in water skiing spans more than 50 years.  Armstrong started out his career as an accomplished water skier and driver in the 1950’s, taking part in one of the first Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Shows in Wisconsin Dells.  He later stopped skiing and shifted his focus to becoming a great boat driver.  He built his own ski boat in the 1960’s and took it to every local tournament to pull skiers and traveled the region pulling skiers at tournaments in Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas.  With the advent of the professional towboat program, Armstrong sold his man made boat, purchased a MasterCraft and entered the promotional boat program.  For the next half century he dedicated his driving talents, advice and expertise to sport.  His competitive career includes many distinguished years as a driver in major water ski events.  Armstrong was selected as a driver for numerous world and national events including: Junior World Championships, World Games, Elite World Championship, Pan American Games, US National Championships and the US Open.  He was Chief Driver at Elite World Championships and numerous Pan American Championships.  Armstrong was heavily involved in the disabled skiers program serving as a driver at the Disabled World Championships in Australia and numerous Disabled USA National Championships.  Armstrong was a four-time recipient of Fred Wiley Award for Most Outstanding Driver at the National Water Ski Championships.  In 2008, upon his retirement from driving, he was awarded Senior Driver Emeritus status by AWSA Board of Directors.