The 2002 Indiana BASS Federation / Jay Gearld Memorial StateYouth Finals tournament was held on August 19th at Monroe Reservoir. This tournament, named in the memory of Jay Gearld, was a stepping-stone for those youths who wanted to qualify for the 2003 Indiana Junior State Team. A special honored guest was Jay's wife Charlotte. She has told me many stories of the kids that Jay enjoyed taking fishing in the pond behind their house, showing and teaching them the fun of fishing. Jay's presence, strangely enough, was really shown when the boat he used to own was on the water behind us at Cutright Point during the awards presentation. In my heart, that was his way of showing us that he is still with us. Jay was a member of the Central Indiana Bassmasters and is missed by a lot of family and friends. There were 25 youths that participated in this tournament's first year. These youths, from ages 17 and under, were greeted by overcast skies and some warm and windy lake conditions. Eight youths brought fish to the scales for a total of 13 fish averaging 1.90 lbs. Finishing first, as your 2002 Indiana State Youth Champion, was K. Keel. She weighed in 2 fish weighing 5.36 lbs. She took home the first place plaque and a cash award for $43.75. She also received a cash award from the Lost River Bass Anglers club for $35.00 and a soft-sided tackle organizer from the "Adopter an Angler" program and Dan Pardue. She also was presented a very special gift of a new Abu Garcia rod & reel combo from Mr. & Mrs. Martin Rudicel, which was given in memory of their daughter, Amber. Sadly, Amber passed away two years ago at age 15. According to her father, Amber enjoyed fishing very much and this was a way that he could share his very special love for his daughter with all of us. Second place went to B.Williams. He weighed in two fish that totaled 5.32 lbs, and received the 2nd place plaque and a cash award for his efforts. He also had the Big Bass of the day, which weighed 3.96 lbs. He received the Big Bass plaque and a cash award for catching the largest bass of the tournament. Third place went to M.Gibbs with two fish that weighed 2.73 lbs. He received the 3rd place plaque and cash award. Finishing fourth and also taking home a plaque and some cash was M.Hammer. He had two fish that weighed 2.72 lbs. Fifth place went to K.Burkhart, who had one fish that bumped the scales at 2.66 lbs. He received a plaque and cash award as well for his efforts. Also catching and weighing in fish were A. Dick, C. Hargis, and L. Hoover. Based on tournament results, being a member of an Indiana Jr. Bass Club, and a drawing for the final two positions, there were six kids that made the 2003 Indiana Junior State Team. They are: B.Williams M.Gibbs K.Burkhart A.Dick D. Suttles A.Bennington 16-17 age group alternates are A.Brown and N.Rooker 11-15 age group alternates are N.Watterson and R.Rhodehamel We will look forward to officially meeting them all at the I.B.C.F State meeting in December. This team will go on to the 2003 Northern Divisional National Junior Invitationals Tournament being held June 21st on Forest Lake in Forest Lake, Minnesota. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their support of this tournament. First of all, the Indiana BASS Federation for their support and many, many raffle prizes that were given away to the kids. They also paid for all the food and drinks that were supplied before and after the tournament, with the help of Gordon Food Services. Also to Charlotte Gearld and John Ferguson with gifts that will enable us to help continue our efforts toward promoting youth involvement in fishing. A thanks goes out to Jeff Helton of Print Works for his donation of all the printing needs involved in this years youth programs. Thanks to Mary's Embroidery & Crafts, Lost River Bass Anglers, Dan Pardue, and Central Indiana Bass Anglers. Also thanks to Ronnie & Ray Kerchal for their raffle gifts of Bryan Kerchal fish whistles and collector cards. And also to the sponsors of the Indiana BASS Federation - Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Warrior Rods, and Renfro Productions. I hope I have not left anyone out, as their support means so much to us. I want to give a special thanks to the tournament crew for their help in making this tournament possible. Garry Kincaid was your Tournament Director, with the help of Mary Gibbs, Tina & Mike Quinlin, Joe Spalding, Matt Wagley, and Carla Suttles. For those folks out there who want to learn more about Jr. Bass clubs or how to get one started, you can reach him at: Ken Gibbs, IBCF Director (317) 745-7404 Or e-mail, kgibbs@woodmizer.com