American Water Ski Educational Foundation Award of Distinction 1994

Inducted into the Florida Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame 2009

Bill Rutland of Winter Haven was a familiar figure at major water ski tournaments with his ski repair booth, and he was a major booster of young ski talent. He was director of sales for Cypress Gardens Skis, but he worked with all skiers regardless of their brand preferences. Rutland died in 1988 at the age of 65. (Deceased)