On May 14, 2011, 16 area fishermen and 17 students gathered on Koontz Lake for the annual UMS Kids' Tournament. The students smashed the previous weigh-ins records in 2010 with 67 fish weighed that weighed 117.28 pounds! 10 students weighed 5-fish limits!
2011 UMS Tournament
The event was sponsored by the following businesses. Before the students took off for the tournament, they were all given a tackle pack valued over $75! During these tough economic times, it says loads about the character of the fishermen and businesses who donated.
Student
Boater
Fish
Fish
Alive
Big
Fish
Total
Weight
Sarah
Rick Kedik
5
5
4.65
11.63
Arthur
Brian Craft
5
5
3.22
10.15
Calvin
Mark Fennell
5
5

9.22
Gretchen
Joe DeNardo
5
5

9.04
Andrew
Phil Strakowski
5
5

8.6
Austin
Ron Fabiszak
5
5

8.21
Sam
Teddy Bradley
5
5

8.19
Shawn
Curtiss Werner
5
5

8.12
Caleb
Derek Deardorff
5
5

8.11
Jacob
Bob Allen
5
5

7.51
Patrick
Kevin Fletcher
4
4

5.55
Kyle
Kevin Fletcher
3
3

5.42
Tristen
Bill Stickley
2
2
3.86
5.22
Jordan
Larry Thomas
3
3

3.78
Michaela
Dave Steed
2
2

3.53
Austin
Kevin Rybicki
2
2

3.0
Cameron
Ken Rybicki
1
1

2.0

Totals:
67
67

117.28
Sarah was partnered up with Rick Kedik and became the first female to win the event. She also weighed the biggest fish (4.65 pounds) and heaviest limit (11.63 pounds) in the event's 4 year history (2008, 2009, 2010). Congratulations Sarah!
Arthur (above) weighed the 2nd heaviest limit in the event's four year history. His top 5 weighed 10.15 pounds. He was partnered with Brian Craft and learned a great deal.
Students were partnered up with local tournament fisherman. They fished between 8am and noon. Luckily, no one got wet. Despite showers and thunderstorms in the forecast, and heavy rains overnight, the rain held off until later in the afternoon.
Calvin (left) was teamed up with D's Lures owner Mark Fennell and came in 3rd place. His best 5 weighed 9.22 pounds. For all of the students, this was their first time riding in a bass boat.
Tristen (right) landed a dandy 3.86 (right hand) pound largemouth under the guidance of Bill Stickley.
Michaela (left) fished with Dave Steed, aka, Mr. Bass. Steed acknowledged, "Michaela's casting ability improved incredibly throughout the day."
Gretchen (left) had a great time with Joe DeNardo and has one of the most contagious smile in existence. She reminds herself "You are not losers when you lose, you are a loser when you quit."
Known for his patience and tossing a wacky worm, Ken Rybicki (left) with Cameron is overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement at take off.
Perhaps a surprise to Jordan, aka "Crouton," by Larry Thomas (above) not only taught him to to work a drop shot rig, but also sang for him.
Andrew (right) fished with Phil Strakowski and culled several fish. Unfortunately, that big fish never showed up.
Curtiss Werner and Shawn above.


Click on image to enlarge.