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PWT – Highlights and High Fives on the Chain
Mother Nature certainly dampened the region, but not the spirits of this year’s
PWT contestants. Despite less than temperate weather conditions in the latter portion of the competition, thousands gathered at Haling’s Marina in Antioch to witness the inaugural appearance of the Professional Walleye Trail on the Chain of Lakes. The three day fishing tournament organized through the combined efforts of the Villages of Antioch and Fox Lake along with the Chambers of Commerce of each, concluded April 22nd and deemed a phenomenal success in the staging and community presence of the 2005 Pro/Am event.
John Butts, pro angler of Dryden, Ontario took first place honors winning the $64,000 purse including a Lund/Mercury watercraft. Jason Schine, local angler of Lake Villa, Il. won first place on the amateur side of the tournament and now also a proud owner of a Lund/Mercury vessel.
Mike Gofron, pro angler of Antioch, finished in 8th place, distinguishing this as his continued Pro Angler circuit record - 29th finish in the Top 10.
Claude LeMere, Fox Lake Community Development Director along with Barbara Porch, Executive Director, Antioch Chamber of Commerce were honored on stage during awards ceremonies, highly commended for their expert organizational skills in the long-term planning involved in the event. Also on the podium of honor were Michelle Toll and Herb Franks of the State Bank Group who organized events to include our community kids in the festivities surrounding the tournament. At “Meet the Pros Night” held April 16th at the VFW Post in Antioch, contest posters and essays conceived by children of area schools were on display throughout the facility, with prizes including the opportunity to fish with a pro during the tournament. Approximately 40 Pro anglers were present to sign autographs and give tips on fishing as well as insights into the professional standards of which each pro subscribes to.
The In-Fisherman Communications Network introduced the PWT as a national event in 1989. Executive Director of the PWT, Jim Kalkofen, whose own professional standards demand that while being a professional angler requires expert skill, the added importance of the examples set in character and respect shown, will be absorbed by our kids. It is of the up-most importance that the examples set are honorable and of the greatest degree of professionalism. The Pros who graced our shores are of the highest examples of these traits, and from observations throughout the event on the Chain of Lakes it was evident that the warmest of welcomes and respect was bestowed upon our visitors.
We are graciously indebted to those who supported this event throughout the past year. The numerous volunteers on hand before and during the tournament were the solution to all difficulties, and the barriers which shielded us from setbacks. To Maureen and John Haling for the use of their marina and to the many sponsors and officials who devoted time, effort, and generous funding for this revolutionary joint project, our deepest appreciation and gratitude.
Tom Powell (Antioch / Fox Lake PWT Committee)
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