GADSDEN, Ala. (July 19, 2006) - Since the National Guard partnered with FLW Outdoors and TBF (The Bass Federation) earlier this year, it has stepped up in support of the youth and conservation at every opportunity, and that commitment to the next generation of anglers will be more visible than ever during the 2006 National Guard Junior World Championship held in conjunction with the upcoming Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship in Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 2-5.
"Since its inception in 1636, the National Guard has been about building strong communities," said Sgt 1st Class Frank O'Laughlin of the National Guard Bureau. "In order to build strong communities you need the help of organizations that build strong individuals. The TBF does this by teaching character and values. It is an honor to partner with them, as we share a similar and parallel vision. One of the most paramount things for us to do in every community we serve is to make a lasting, positive impression - to make a difference - and we are doing that alongside FLW Outdoors and the TBF."
Held July 31 in advance of the $1.5 million FLW Tour Championship, the National Guard Junior World Championship will feature 62 anglers from 31 participating TBF states. Each state will be represented by two junior anglers: one from the 11 to 14 age bracket and another from 15 to 18 age bracket.
The junior anglers will each be paired with an FLW Tour pro for one day of competition on Lake Neely Henry. There will be three anglers to a boat: one junior angler from each age group plus an FLW Tour pro who will assist the junior anglers but will not fish. The two junior anglers will share control of the boat for the day but will compete in separate age categories. Takeoff will be held at the Gadsden City Launch located at 200 Lake Street in Gadsden at 8 a.m., and the weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. at the Gadsden City Launch.
Designed to highlight some of the best up-and-coming bass-fishing talent in the country, the National Guard Junior World Championship also awards prizes to the top finishers in each division and provides national recognition.
"Besides helping TBF chapters nationwide spur interest among youths in their home states, the National Guard Junior World Championship validates the tireless work that our chapters do on a daily basis," said TBF President Robert Cartlidge. "For the state federations to be able to see their junior club members - their kids - compete in the National Guard Junior World Championship and see them up on the FLW Tour Championship stage, and all that goes with that, brings a tremendous amount of satisfaction and pride, not only in the kids, but also in each chapter's efforts on behalf of all our nation's youth."
First-place finishers in each age bracket will receive a $5,000 scholarship in addition to a sponsor merchandise package. Second place finishers will receive $4,000 scholarships plus sponsor packages. Third place finishers will receive $3,000 scholarships plus sponsor packages. Fourth place finishers will receive $2,000 scholarships plus sponsor packages. Fifth place finishers will receive $1,000 scholarships plus sponsor packages.
Additionally, FLW Outdoors and the National Guard will award $1,000 on behalf of the top five junior anglers in each age group to their state's TBF chapter youth program for a total award of $10,000.
In addition to these awards, junior anglers and their families will be treated to a variety of activities, such as the National Guard Fun Zone, a pizza party, an awards ceremony, and seminars presented by the Alabama Department of Fish and Game, the National Guard and others.
On Aug.1, the two junior champions will attend the FLW Tour Championship registration meeting and banquet with 48 of the world's top professional anglers. On Aug. 2, the top five junior anglers in each age group will be recognized on stage at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Arena during the opening-round weigh-in of the FLW Tour Championship. The junior champion anglers will start the day Aug. 3 with an on-the-water photo shoot and later attend the Family Fun Zone, signing autographs in sponsor booths just like the pros. On the final day of competition, each junior angler champion will be provided a chase boat in order to observe their favorite pro who is fishing for a top prize of $500,000. The pair will also be recognized again on stage during pre-show activities.
"Everyone has pulled together and is focused on making this event very memorable for the junior anglers," said FLW/TBF Programs Manager David Simmons. "The National Guard is a tremendous partner that always strives for excellence and we appreciate that. The TBF state chapters also deserve a lot of credit for their dedication to America's youth and the support they provide day in and day out."
Junior-angler FieldLast Name First Name City, State
Taylor Hughes Remlap, AL
Nathan Sherbet Remlap, AL
Ryan Petersen Phoenix, AZ
Sterling Pfundheller Phoenix, AZ
Matt Carabello Discovery Bay, CA
Sean Alarid Oakley, CA
Kurt Mitchell Milford, DE
Anthony Asti Dover, DE
Nick Thliveros Jacksonville, FL
Colby Cotterill Lakeland, FL
Anthony Lively Lincolnton, GA
Matt Henry Conyers, GA
Anthony Avalos Kimberly, ID
Mike Walsh Jr. Burley, ID
Kyle Gates Decatur, IL
Jeremy Mull Chatham, IL
Tyler Pendygraft Greenwood, IN
Jacob Wheeler Indianapolis, IN
Chandler Young Independence, KS
Sam Nelson Hutchinson, KS
Jacob Heibert Brandenburg, KY
Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY
Steven Littlefield Abington, MA
Danny Snow Woburn, MA
Graylan Wright Williamsport, MD
Jennifer (Nikki) Bennett La Plata, MD
Dave Saterbak Maple Grove, MN
Jarid Murphy Maple Grove, MN
Payden Hibdon Stover, MO
Blake Felix Raymore, MO
CJ Johnson Ocean Springs, MS
Brandon Bolton West Point, MS
Seth Hauseman Omaha, NB
Amanda Godfrey Candler, NC
Nick Bell Louisburg, NC
James Stewart Morganville, NJ
John Milchanoski Jr. Sewell, NJ
Eddie Levin Westerville, OH
Matt Andersen Greenfield, OH
Jonathan Jones Chickasha, OK
Trevor Mintz Shady Point, OK
Donny Blasko Johnstown, PA
David Grube Denver, PA
Lowell Turner Bradford, RI
Michael Brossi Jr. Greene, RI
Jesse Moore Cleveland, TN
Christopher Stites Smyrna, TN
Zach Alexander Salt Lake City, UT
Sunny Hawk Salt Lake City, UT
Stuart Smith Chester, VA
Josh Wagy DeWitt, VA
Patrick Inferno Fair Haven, VT
Kyle Demeritt Milton, VT
Branson Schmidt Greenacres, WA
Garret McAfee Kennewick, WA
Wells Kaiser Cuba City, WI
Joe Heitschmidt Tomahawk, WI
Nick Lambert Oceana, WV
Wil Dieffenbauch Hundred, WV
Jeremy McDonough Rock Srings, WY