POLK CITY, — USA Water Ski named Ben Favret of Windermere, Fla., and Regina Jaquess of Suwannee, Ga., its Male and Female Athletes of the Month for November. The athletes will now be considered for the United States Olympic Committee's Male and Female Athletes of the Month awards.

"Ben's and Regina's early slalom victories at the 2002 Pan American Water Ski Championships set a precedent for the ensuing competition," said Steve McDermeit, USA Water Ski's executive director. "Both athletes deserve recognition for their leadership and athletic achievements at the Pan American Championships and throughout the 2002 season."

Jaquess, 18, got off to a solid start at the Pan American Championships in Santiago, Chile, winning gold medals in 17 to 21 Women's slalom and Open Women's slalom on Nov. 30. She ran 2 buoys at 38 feet off in all four rounds of competition for the titles.

Favret, 37, ran 3 buoys at 39-1/2 feet off to clinch the gold medal over Canada's Drew Ross in Open Men's slalom Nov. 30 at the 2002 Pan American Championships. Favret was one of only two athletes to run 38 off