By Ken Gibbs      The day was absolutely a beautiful one. The morning started out clear with mild temperatures hovering in the high 60's and a nice breeze. It became slightly overcast in the afternoon with the temperatures reaching the mid 80's. We had eighteen teams participate. The fishing turned out to be a little tough. Although most everyone reported catching good numbers of fish, the 14" size keepers were scares. We had seven teams weigh in fish.      The winners were David Jones and Lance Chau. They had two fish that weighed 3.50 lbs. They received first place plaques and a check for $625.00. They also captured Big Bass with a 2.30 lb. fish and received a check for $90.00. The second place team was Steve & Phyllis Clapp. They had two fish that weighed 2.84 lbs. and took home second place plaques and a check for $275.00. They were also the top Male/Female Team and received a $50.00 Touchdown Lures gift certificate. In third place with two fish that weighed 2.56 lbs. was the team of Wayne & Isaac Hartsburg. They received third place plaques and a $50.00 Touchdown Lures gift certificate for being the highest finishing Youth/Youth Team. The highest finishing Adult/Youth Team of Robby Ewry and Cody Hollingwerth received a $50.00 Touchdown Lures gift certificate. They had one fish that weighed 1.29 lbs. 1st Place & Big Bass, David Jones & Lance Chau, Kelsey in center 2nd Place, Phyllis & Steve Clapp, Kelsey in center 3rd Place, Wayne & Isaac Hartsburg, Kelsey in center      The real winner of the event was a 15 year old young lady that I met for the first time Saturday morning. Her name is Kelsey Cummings. Kelsey had just recently been diagnosed with cancer. She had already undergone some surgery and treatments and appeared in very high spirits. She was even able to participate in the tournament. She was to continue treatments on the following Thursday after the tournament. We'll keep her in our prayers! Kelsey with Mom and Dad      One really notable thing that has happened for her is a chance to get to talk with her fishing idol, Bill Dance. Apparently Kelsey's Grandmother had gotten information to Mr. Dance about Kelsey. During the morning of the tournament Kelsey received a cell phone call. It was Mr. Dance himself. She was to return a call to him later in the day to let him know how everything went. I think it is great that this man takes the time out of his busy schedule to help. Maybe we can all write to Bill and get him to take Kelsey fishing! If you would like to, send it to: Bill Dance Fan Mail, 434 Distribution Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017.      I personally want to thank several folks for helping make this benefit a success. First to Trent & Joni Sanders. Trent is the adult chairman for the Muncie Junior Bassmasters club that Kelsey belongs to. Joni is his wife. The amount of work that they put into this was absolutely fantastic. They helped with everything from arranging the meal, to arranging a huge tent, and to all the raffle prizes. I don't know everyone's names that helped them, but there were a lot of good folks that did. Thank you all! Also thank you to Eldon Crabtree. He spent as much time for this event as any of us. His knowledge and leadership shines every time he is called upon.      A tremendous THANK YOU to all of the sponsors. There were just too many to list here. Just take a glance at this picture with most of the sponsors listed and you will see why. This was just one of two billboards. Thank You!     A special thanks to all of the anglers that participated. Through your entry fee, you raised $450 to help Kelsey's family. The Indiana Bass Federation also donated $250 as well as the Gadabout Bassmasters donated $150 to Kelsey's family. The raffle raised a lot of funds as well as a donation bucket that was set out. THANK YOU ALL! Good Fishing, Ken Gibbs HOME  |   OFFICERS  |   PRESIDENT'S CORNER  |   CALENDAR TOURNAMENTS  |   INVITATIONAL  |   ZONE NEWS  |   READING ROOM CONTACT US  |   SPONSORS & LINKS  |   JUNIOR PROGRAM This site designed and maintained by Bright Sites Web Design