High-School-Anglers

Help Every kid Counts Help

The Children In Need

2010

Arizona High School Anglers Advance to Final Round of the High School World Championship Tournament

Saturday July 24, 2010, Arizona High School Anglers took 2nd Place in the inaugural 2010 High School Fishing World Finals on Lake Dardanelle. Arizona High School Representatives Thomas Chambers, a Senior from North Canyon High and Brand Koon, a Junior from Shadow Mount High both member of the EKC Desert Bassbusters came up big catching their 5 fish maximum, with a total weight of 14 lbs. 8 oz. only to fall short by 1 lb 8 oz to capture the Championship title that went to two young anglers for Kentucky. In the first round on Thursday, July 23rd, the boys brought in only 2 fish they weighed out at 4 lbs. with a bonus of 12 oz for acing a two part test on boater safety and indigenous species. This was a very disappointing to outcome to them, however, In the second round on Friday, Thomas and Brand Koon, came up big today catching their 5 fish maximum, with a total weight of 15 lb 9 oz for a two day total of 20 lbs 5 oz. This landed them a 3rd place qualifying spot into the final cut of 7 teams to go for the World Championship Title.

76 Teams representing 20 States participated in this inaugural tournament, with the Arizona contingency who also received the Furthest Travel Award. This event was put on by The Bass Federation (TBF). TBF in conjunction with the FLW is and education based organization designed to promote the four cores of curriculum as well as promoting sportsmanship, friendly competition and character building as well as the sport of Bass Fishing. This criteria falls sharply in line with that of Every Kid Counts and our mission. To learn more log onto www.highschoolfishing.com

"We are very proud of these boys for traveled this far and never competing together in any tournament to team up land the 2nd place title is very amazing and a tribute to the shear determination of both Brandon and Thomas, said Rob Perelka, EKC President. This was a once in a life time experience for these boys and for their father, Dax Jones, EKC Vice president and myself. To see them represent the Great State of Arizona with class and good character was and honor. We look forward to sending several teams to represent Arizona in the world Finals in 2011."

Brandon and Thomas came in second place at the first ever High School Fishing World Finals. They made a strong showing but came up a pound and a half short to take home the championship.

In the second round of the first ever High School Fishing World Finals in Russellville, Arkansas, Arizona High School Representatives Thomas Chambers, from North Canyon High and Brand Koon, from Shadow Mount High came up big today catching their 5 fish maximum, with a total weight of 15 lb 9 oz for a two day total of 20 lbs 5 oz. This has landed them a 3rd place Qualifying spot into the final cut of 7 teams to go for the World Championship Title. Overall 76 Teams representing 20 States and Canada participated in this inaugural tournament put on by The Bass Federation. We will keep you informed to there outcome after tomorrows final weigh-in . Bring home the world title would be an awesome experience for these boys and great representation of our Great State. In addition, the Championship team will take home the top of a four year $4,000 per year scholarship to Bethel University as well as a spot on the Bethel collegiate Bass Fishing Team (Total Scholarship value of for $32,000 for both boys)

Special thanks to those who helped Every Kid Counts, Children's Charity get these boys to this opportunity of a life time: AZ National Guard - Circle K Stores - Corporate Picnics & Events - The Sign Guys - Camelback Chiropractic - FOP Lodge - Bass Pro Shop Mesa - Ranger Boats Keith Tripp - Sportsman's Warehouse - Conquistador Bate and Tackle - Fisherman's Choice - RT Sports Grill - Larry White - Justin from Rajus Custom Shirts and Gene Vogt (Boat Captain from Ponca City, Oklahoma and President of the Ponca City Bass Master.)

We are proud of these Boys!