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| FishTails |
B.A.S.S. National Youth Manager Addresses West Virginia
Federation
[March 19, 2003] - by Chris Lawrence
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| Stacy Twiggs, B.A.S.S. Federation Youth Manager (l) and John Burdette,
WFBF President following the 2003 Annual Banquet in Flatwoods. |
As you looked out over the crowd of nearly 200 people at the West Virginia Bass Federations Annual banquet it would
have been easy to play that old kids game of "one of these things is not like the other." I was abundantly
clear when attendees walked into the room that Stacy Twiggs wasn't from around here.
The slow talking Texan who now makes his home in Alabama was the only one in the crowd with the white cowboy hat,
sharp cowboy boots, and wallet complete with Lone Star badge that made him look like Walker Texas Ranger.
However, the slow talking Texas cowboy was right at home with a room full of bass fishermen who included West Virginia
Governor Bob Wise.
"If I'd have known I was going to be sitting at a table with the governor and a bunch of guys with coats and
ties, I'd have dressed a little better." Joked Twiggs when his time came at the mic. "We do have suits
and ties in Texas, but I just never wear one."
Twiggs, a Gulf War Veterans who received a disability discharges from the United States Navy is a former President
of the Texas Bass Federation and now the National Federation Youth Director. He, like many other newcomers, was
in awe of the West Virginia Federation's achievements and commitment to service.
"You guys have it going in the right direction." Noted Twiggs after viewing the 15-minute presentation
that recapped the year of 2002. "I would just encourage you to keep doing what your doing."
Twiggs noted that with the acquisition of B.A.S.S. by ESPN and ultimately it's parent company Disney, the Federation's
youth program was headed upward.
"With Disney on board, what better place to promote children's activities and the incorporation of family
into bass fishing."
"What a great country we live in." Said Twiggs. Where we can fish and do the things we do to involve
our youth in the outdoors and preserve our resources."
Twiggs overall message was one of encouragement to continue to do all we can to promote the sport of fishing among
our youngsters and continue to gain ground as the average age of anglers is increasing and so many fewer children
are being introduced to fishing as they once were. We all have an obligation to pass the tradition down and keep
that passion we've all known alive. |
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