The 2003 Indiana BASS Federation / Jay Gearld Memorial StateYouth Finals tournament was held on July 27th at Monroe Reservoir. This tournament, named in the memory of Jay Gearld, was a stepping stone for youths who wanted to qualify for the 2004 Indiana Junior State Team and the National Junior Championship. These youths, ages 17 and under, were greeted by sunny skies and some warm and windy lake conditions. Ten youths brought 17 fish to the scales for a total weight of 28.44 pounds, averaging 1.67 lbs. per fish.
Finishing first, as your 2003 Indiana Junior Champion, was B. Williams. He weighed in 3 fish weighing 6.04 lbs. Brad took home the first place plaque. Brad also took home the Big Bass plaque with a fish that weighed 3.10 lbs. Second place went to AJ Dick. He weighed in two fish that totaled 4.20 lbs. AJ received the 2nd place plaque for his efforts. Third place went to D. Suttles with two fish that weighed 4.16 lbs. He received the 3rd place plaque. Finishing fourth and also taking home a plaque was J. Wheeler. He had one fish that weighed 2.72 lbs. Fifth place went to N.Watterson, who had one fish that bumped the scales at 2.44 lbs. He received a plaque as well for his efforts. Also catching and weighing in fish, 6th - J. Tourney, 7th - N. Krahn, 8th - R. Rhodehamel, 9th - S. Worthington, and 10th - M.Gibbs.
Based on tournament results, being a member of an Indiana Jr. Bass Club, and a reservation as a result of 2002 rule changes, there were six kids that made the 2004 Indiana Junior State Team.
15-17 age group:
AJ Dick
B. Williams
Alternate: D. Suttles
11-14 age group:
J. Wheeler
N. Krahn
R. Rhodehamel
S. Worthington
Alternate: B. Otte
We will look forward to officially meeting them all at the I.B.C.F State meeting in February. This team will go on to the 2004 Junior Invitational Tournament being held next June in Michigan.
Going on to the National Championship in July, in Missouri are:
15-17 age: M. Gibbs
11-14 age: J. Wheeler
I would like to thank all the sponsors for their support of this tournament. First and foremost, the Indiana BASS Federation for their support and many raffle prizes that were given away to the kids. They also supplied all the food and drinks before and after the tournament. Thanks goes out to Jeff Helton of Print Works for his help of all the printing needs involved in this years youth program. Thanks for many raffle prizes also goes to Mary's Embroidery & Crafts, Larry Carver of Carvers Spinners, Tom Moore of Touchdown Worms, Jack & Betty of Willits Tackle Town, and Rob Chitwood. Rob graciously donated, to the highest finishing 16 year old youth, his support by way of Co-Angler entries into the 2004 I.B.C.F. Invitational Trail. Brad Williams won this terrific award. Thank you also goes to all the sponsors of the Indiana BASS Federation - Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, MotorGuide, Lowrance, 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; Mary Gibbs, Don & Bev Jenkins, Joe Spalding, Jeff Roy, and Debbie Dick. Without volunteers like this, events such as this would not be possible.
We also held a raffle to help raise money for next years Junior State Team. The winner of the first place prize was Dave Brown of Bloomington, IN. Dave won a brand new 24V 68 lbs. thrust MotorGuide trolling motor. The second prize was won by Ed O'Conner of Plainfield, IN. He won the Gambler Baits / Uncle Josh tackle pack that was donated by Ron & Jake Gellenbeck with the help of Gambler Baits and Uncle Josh. We want to thank Ron & Jake for their contributions and support.
For viewing more pictures from the tournament, visit our website at www.indianabass.com
For those folks out there who want to learn more about Jr. Bass clubs or how to get one started, you can reach me at:
Ken Gibbs
Zone 2 West Director
(317) 745-7404
kgibbs@woodmizer.com
