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| FishTails |
Inaugural Banquet an Overwhelming Success
[March 26, 2002]
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| National Federation Conservation Director Bruce Shupp addresses the
140-plus anglers and their families in attendance for the first Annual West Virginia BASS Federation Banquet in
Flatwoods March 24, 2002. |
A long held goal of the West Virginia Bass Federation Board of Directors and President John Burdette came
to fruition in March with the inaugural West Virginia Bass Federation Banquet.
"The only thing that concerned me was the turnout." Says Burdette. "I wish more people could have
been there and seen and heard what we're all about."
Judging from the response of the 140-plus anglers and their families who were in attendance, the word will spread.
The event began with a meal that rivals any banquet spread. Attendees were treated to an Italian buffet of lasagna,
spaghetti and meatballs, and pasta salad. Those with a more American taste enjoyed tender prime rib, baked potatoes,
and a selection of deserts larger than the selection of worms in many of our tackle boxes.
A PowerPoint presentation set to music produced by Jim Matuga and Chris Lawrence set the tone for the evening and
left many federation members speechless.
"That was a professional a production as ESPN or anyone could have put together." Remarked member Len
Lanham.
"It nearly brought tears to my eyes." Noted another angler in the crowd.
The presentation included a slide-show of pictures taken over last year's Bass Federation events. The ever changing
pictures were set to music and included narration by Lawrence about the Federation's role in fishing, conservation,
and involvement of youth in the outdoors.
West Virginia DNR Director Ed Hamrick followed the presentation and delivered the regrets of the governor to not
be in attendance. Hamrick noted the governor had a prior engagement at his rifle scope use class. The DNR Director
lamented a polite chuckle rather than a belly laugh until reminded it was a fishing crowd.
Hamrick followed with a serious note thanking the West Virginia Bass Federation for leadership and efforts to partner
with the state and the agency on a number of conservation and youth projects. He also looked forward to this year's
role of the Bass Federation in the Second Annual Governor's Spring Turkey Challenge.
The National Federation Conservation Director Bruce Shupp followed Hamrick and heaped praise on the West Virginia
Federation.
"I'm truly amazed and impressed at how much this Federation does." Lauded Shupp, "You're one of
the smallest Federations, and also one of the most important."
The evening also included a tribute to retired DNR Warmwater Fisheries Chief Bert Pierce. Pierce was honored with
a service award for his 38-years of protecting and guiding management on bass waters in the state.
"I'm overwhelmed with this honor." Said a shocked Pierce. "I look forward to seeing all of you on
the water. I find that now that I'm retired, I can finally go fishing!"
Pierce's successor Brett Preston and longtime district biologist Frank Jernejcic were also on hand as honored guests.
The evening concluded with awards presentations for the Club Youth Award to Northern Mountaineer BassMasters. The
individual Youth Award to Tim Bailey of Oceana. Plaques were also awarded to Len Lanham and Bill Kennedy as Buddy
Trail Champions and the 12 members of this year's State Team.
Plans are already in the works for the 2003 banquet. The event culminated a tremendous and groundbreaking year
for the West Virginia Bass Federation and showed a resolve among all members to move onward and upward in years
to come. |
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