CELEBRATION, Fla. - Scott Martin, the son of recently retired BASS legend Roland Martin, teamed up with BASS Tournament Manager Deb Wilkinson to win the 6th annual Angling Against Cancer charity bass fishing tournament on Lake Tohopekaliga earlier today in Central Florida. The event was held by the Kissimmee-St. Cloud Convention and Visitor's Bureau as part of its annual Great Outdoor Days. All proceeds from the pro-am event are donated to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization dedicated to saving lives by helping find a cure for cancer.
Martin and Wilkinson won the tournament by catching a 16-pound, 3-ounce, five-fish limit, which was nearly five pounds better than second-place Kevin Wirth and partner Russell Garner's catch (11-5). Martin said he participated in the event because he believes in the cause it supports. "Contributing is the biggest thing here," said Martin, of Clewiston, Fla. "This a great opportunity to affect someone's life and as you can see, the response here is great."
Throngs of spectators came out to the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee to watch the weigh-in on Sunday. Much like Martin, Kentucky's Wirth was focused on the cause. "Bar none, the chance to contribute and make a difference is the most important thing I am a part of this week," the 43-year old said.
Wirth, a 2006 Bassmaster Elite Series angler and 2006 Bassmaster Classic contender, will stay in Kissimmee to spend some much needed time on Lake Toho, site of the 2006 Classic. Wirth is one of 51 anglers who will compete for the $500,000 grand prize on Feb. 24-26 next year.
"I'm really excited about the Classic," Wirth said. "Lake Toho has treated me really well in the past and sometimes I just get in a rhythm out there and feel like I can catch a big stringer."
Perhaps the most exciting part of the weigh-in was New Jersey's Michael Iaconelli showing off his infamous break-dancing skills at the request of event host and fellow angler Terry Seagraves. But before he did, Iaconelli urged the crowd to give to the V Foundation. And they delivered. More than $700 was raised with Iaconelli's stunt, including $100 from Seagraves himself.
Other anglers participating included 2005 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Aaron Martens, Alabama's Tim Horton, and an army of Floridians: Steve Daniel, Preston Clark, Terry Scroggins, Peter Thliveros and Charlie Youngers.
ESPN and the late Jim Valvano created The V Foundation in 1993. Valvano, the legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN broadcaster, won the hearts of sports fans across the country when his underdog NC State Wolfpack captured the NCAA Basketball Championship in an upset win in 1983. Valvano died of cancer when he was 47.