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Corner: Articles: 2003 |
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A YEAR IN REVIEW
 Another year has gone by and it
seems like they are going by quicker as time goes on. This year has been especially busy over the past years with
the youth programs that are growing by leaps and bounds. This year, as any other, was kicked of with the annual
federation banquet which we were all introduced to BASS' new Youth Manager, Stacy Twiggs. With Stacy at the helm
of the youth programs, anyone can predict a very bright future for our future leaders in the federation and beyond.
Everyone who attended the state finals for Casting Kids witnessed the performance of a future BASS Masters Classic
participant, Brady Nolan, who qualified for the classic after a cast-off at the semi-finals in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
by hitting a perfect 50. Brady went on to an impressive finish at the classic falling just short of a classic win.
Before getting into the full swing of spring, we had our annual outdoor show at the Nathan-Goff Armory and also
supplied manpower for the Morgantown outdoor show. Both of these show's proceeds benefit the Federation's youth
programs. This year, the WV BASS Federation teamed up with the Harrison County Schools. I feel this is a valuable
partnership with having two organizations with the same goal in mind, our youth. Though the snow got us this year,
the plans for the 2004 are already in progress for even a bigger and better outdoor show.
This year, the WV BASS Federation held its first youth qualifying tournament. This tournament fielded 24 youngsters
from four junior clubs who fished for the chance at the EasternDivisional youth tournament at Kerr Lake. The West
Virginia team finished an impressive 3rd place. Following the Eastern Division youth tournament was the National
Junior Championship held on Smithville Lake just outside of Kansas City, Missouri. Michael Squires and Adam Nelson
competed against 35 other young anglers from 18 states. Besides battling heat and the 15 inch limit on the fish,
they enjoyed the banquets held at Cabellas and meeting the many pro fisherman such aDenny Brauer, Guido and Dion
Hibdon, Forrest Wood, and many more.
One tournament that seems to be growing every year is the annual Jim Catherman Youth Tournament. This year, the
field grew to 59 boats. The adults and the young anglers were treated with a cookout during the weigh-in. The young
anglers competed for trophies and plaques for the top six places, lunker in each age group, which was 12, and under,
and 13-17.
The 2004 schedule has already been posted on the WVBF website and looks to be an exciting year. If any club is
interested in starting a youth club, feel free to contact me to obtain ajunior club packet. The junior clubs will
be qualifying on May 16th to earn a chance to fish Lake Champlain, Vermont in late June or early July. The top
two youths from the Eastern Division youth tournament on Kerr Lake will compete in May 2004 at the Junior Nationals.
Site to be announced.
Until next time, take a time out to spend with the kids, down the road they will cherish the memories for a lifetime. |
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