West Kentucky Sports April 2020

Volume 3, Issue 3

April 2020 • Page 3

9

13

20 4

ADVERTISERS INDEX: Akridge Farm Supply — p. 25 Brehm Striping ­— p. 19

Shop-O-Rama ­— p. 19

Buchanon’s Design Center — p. 17

WCCK/WCBL — p. 32

Lake Barkley CrossFit- p. 32

Wilson Law Firm — p. 21

Magistrate Bobby Cummins— p. 11

Williams Veterinary Clinic — p.25

West Kentucky Sports is made possible through the sponsorship of advertisers listed at left. These businesses help provide local coverage of youth sports and positive acts by local athletes. On behalf of our readers, the staff would like to say:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Concession Confession If there are two things that unite all people, it’s sports and food. And they come together at an all-too iconic American location in every ball park and school gymnasium across the country: the concession stand.

Most school sports rely on volunteer parent cooks, unsung heroes of fundraising and food services, to keep ravenous spectators fulfilled during games. A few magnanimous grill mavens excel at their craft. Listed here are the top five choices from around western Kentucky.

April 2020 • Page 5

5 The first entry on the list is Marshall County Soccer’s chicken sandwich. Just a simple slab of bird on bun, the soccer boosters deliver on an area favorite.

4 Marshall County’s second entry on the list comes during the fall season with football boosters providing one of western Kentucky’s best burgers for under $4. Part of the bonus: consistency.

Marshall County’s football concessions provide come of the best burgers around during home games.

Page 6 • March 2020

3 If you’re hungry, any Livingston Central game is worth attending for the food alone. Depending on the sport, there’s a good chance for a decent burger, tender barbecue or. our personal favorite, the grilled chicken sandwich. What sets their chicken apart? It’s almost always cooked perfectly.

Even if you aren’t a Cardinal fan, Livingston Central baseball and softball games are worth attending for the chicken sandwiches.

2 Finding a good Brat in western Kentucky isn’t always an easy thing. As blessed as diners are to find perfectly grilled cheeseburgers and heaping helpings of barbecue, there isn’t always an option of a Brat. To make matters worse, even if there’s one on the menu, there’s no guarantee the thing has actually been grilled. Well, look no further than Paducah Tilghman’s Walter Jetton Field, home of the Blue Tornadoes and Lady Blue Tornadoes soccer teams. There you can find a perfectly grilled Brat. Mustard optional.

April 2020 • Page 7

1

It’s not exactly a staple concession item... but it definitely should be. The Marshall County High School Band Boosters regularly produce a rib eye sandwich for sporting events as a fundraiser. And it is nearly legendary. In a world of meat on a bun, there are few comparisons to the MCHS Band Boosters’ nearly perfect concoction. Ribeye, bun. There’s not too much more that needs to be said.

April 2020 • Page 9

ON HOLD

Spring sports seasons impacted by efforts to reduce spread of Covid-19 For many student athletes, coaches and proud parents, 2020 is becoming the season that wasn’t.

Baseball, softball, tennis, track & field, archery, bass fishing and middle school soccer seasons have all been impacted by a mandatory Kentucky High School Athletic Association mandatory dead period or by temporary school closures. Likewise, other competitive events — from travel teams to club ball and little league — have been impacted by restrictions on large gatherings. The cancellations and delays have resulted from attempts to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Most schools across the Commonwealth were closed to students beginning March 13. The KHSAA followed up with news of the mandatory dead period, which extends (as of presstime) through April 12.

According to information provided by the KHSAA:

n Students are prohibited from participating in any organized team activity, or organized or semi-organized team competition in any sport or sport-activity

in any format at any location in any state where school personnel (paid or unpaid) are involved, in attendance, or receiving reports of performance.

n Students may not participate in activities such as weight training, skill development, individual camps (with per team limits on participation), team camps, or open gym or field activities even if no inter-school competition is involved. n Students may not receive coaching or training from school personnel (either salaried or non-salaried) in any KHSAA sanctioned sport or sport-activity; n School facilities, uniforms, nicknames, transportation or equipment, may not be used in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport or sport-activity;

n School funds may not be expended in support of interscholastic athletics in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport or sport-activity;

(Continued on next page)

Page 10 • March 2020

Spring sports seasons on hold, events canceled

Continued from previous page

n KHSAA officials pointed out that restrictions don’t prevent communication between school, athletic department and coaching representatives to team members or families of players on a current roster; n Postseason wrap-up activities, celebrations and recognition events relating to a sport or sport-activity team at a school may not be held during this time.

Despite the period of inactivity, a number of coaches and program administrators have taken to social media to keep athletes inspired and active during the time away. Likewise, several youth athletes have been showing that they’re staying active while following social distancing guidelines.

Some seasons were able to partially get underway. Every area high school baseball and softball team missed their regularly scheduled opening day, but several were able to fit in preseason scrimmages. Likewise, more than a dozen area middle school teams participated in the annual soccer jamboree held at McCracken County High School just days before the outbreak.

Collected below are a list of cancellations of events and fund raisers provided to West Kentucky Sports.

Marshall County Track and Field canceled the Invitational of the South on March 28.

Marshall County Dynamo soccer has suspended all practice and games. The club will announce plans at a future date,

All high school and middle school spring football activities have been suspended

The SEC announces cancellation of spring sports seasons and spring football games.

Likewise, all sports are suspended through mid-April.

The Ohio Valley Conference has canceled all intercollegiate competitions, including OVC Championships, through the end of the 20192020 academic year. Team practices have been suspended.

North Marshall Lady Marshals Marley Norwood (above) and Reily Mathis (below) take on Massac County during the Middle School Jamboree in early March. Middle school soccer is one of several sports currently impacted by social distancing efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The NCAA men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments have been canceled.

The College Fishing Open, originally slated to be held on Kentucky Lake has been suspended.

The Marshall County Bass Fishing Irish Spring tournament scheduled for March 14 canceled.

The Crittenden County Quad Meet and Murray High All Comers Meet, both slated for March 17, have been canceled..

The Marshall County MS All Comers Meet scheduled for March 19 has been canceled.

The Murray MS All Comers Meet

Bobby Cummins

slated for March 23 has been canceled.

has not been determined yet.

The March 31 Marshall County All Comers Meet has been canceled.

The 146th Kentucky Derby will be rescheduled from May 2 to September 5 and the 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks will be rescheduled from May 1 to September 4. These dates are contingent upon final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

The Calloway County All Comers Meet and McCracken County All Comers Quad Meet have both been canceled.

The events were scheduled for March 24.

Pumas Futbol Club has suspended practices and games currently scheduled.

Revolution Soccer Club has suspended practices and games.

The Mercy Health Iron Mom Marathon and 5k has been postponed. The marathon and 5K was set for May 9. Organizers plan to reschedule but a date

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Magistrate District 1 Lyon Co.

The Lyon County Soccer Boosters Youth Soccer Clinic and the Color Dash has been canceled. There are currently no plans to reschedule the event.

Additional cancellations and rescheduled events will be posted as available on West Kentucky Sports’ Facebook page.

Thanks for for Thanks

READING READING

April 2020 • Page 13

Student Signings

Andrew Davidson Paducah Tilghman High School senior Andrew Davidson signed a scholarship to play soccer for Campbellsville University at a signing ceremony at Paducah Tilghman High School on March 6.

Davidson, a center attacking midfielder, received the “Most Improved” and “Newcomer” team awards in 2016.

In 2017 he was honored with the team “MVP” award.

West Kentucky Sports features college announcements, letter of intent signings and program disclosures as available. Got one planned?

Email us at wkysports@gmail.com. Notice on we’ve missed? Use the same email address to submit photos, player information, current high school, attended and college info.

He tied for most assists for the Tornado in 2019 with seven. He was named to the Academic All-District Soccer team multiple years.

“Andrew is a great kid,” said assistant PTHS soccer coach Jon Deaton.

“He works hard – he brings his lunch pail with him to work every day. He improved phenomenally every year, and he was a great example to the rest of the team. He deserves this opportunity.

He put in the work, and now he is see-

ing the reward for it.”

Davidson said the he’s looking forward to continued growth, both educationally and as a player, at Campbellsville.

“The team has players from all over the world on it, so I’m sure I will learn a lot,” said Davidson. “Coach Preston knows what he’s talking about and he played soccer here (at PTHS), so I’m looking forward to playing for him.”

Page 14 • March 2020 Ty Buchmeier Marshall County’s Ty Buchmeier signed to continue his football and academic career at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro. Buchmeier is a four-year member of the Marshall County football team and a contributor on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

His versatility helped him become a three-year starter who saw action as a receiver, running back and quarterback on offense while playing in the defense’s outside linebacker position. He finished his career with 1,412 total yards of offense and 146 career tackles and was named to the 2018 and 2019 All-WKC honorable mention teams.

He is a two sport athlete as part of Marshall County’s baseball team.

McCracken County High School recognized the following seniors for their accomplishments and signing college scholarships on February 5: Connor Kirkham – Golf – John A. Logan College -Won his first High School Tournament as a 7th Grader -First Team All Region – 3 Times -Selected to play in the JB Holmes Cup - Qualified for US Teen Championship four times Isabella McKinney – Tennis – Midway University - 2016 Region 1 Girls Team Champions - 2016 KHSAA Girls Team State Champions - 2017 Region 1 Girls Team State Champions - 2017 KHSAA Girls Team State Champions - 2018 Region 1 Girls Doubles Runner-Up - 2018 Region 1 Girls Team Champions -2018 KHSAA Girls Team State Runner-Up - 2019 Region 1 Girls Team Doubles Runner-Up - 2019 Region 1 Girls Team Champions Multiple year All Region tennis team member as well as All State athletic association for basketball

April 2020 • Page 15

Trevor Harmon Paducah Tilghman High School senior Trevor Harmon signed a football scholarship with Campbellsville University in a signing ceremony held at PTHS on February 27.

Harmon was a two-way player for the Tornado, playing left guard and left tackle on offense, and defensive end on defense.

His honors included 2019 BlueGrey All American, 2019 First Team All-WKC Team, 2019 Courier Journal All-State Honorable Mention, and 2019 Paducah Sun All Purchase Team.

Harmon said he felt an instant connection with Campbellsville head coach Perry Thomas, who formerly coached at PTHS. “It was just an instant spark for me with Coach Thomas and the atmosphere of the football program at Campbellsville,” said Harmon. “I also like that Campbellsville is not too far away from home. It’s a good school, and it has a good program in Sports Management, which is what I plan to major in.”

PTHS head coach Jonathan Smith praised Harmon’s leadership and the intangibles that Smith believes will be

a foundation for success for Harmon at the collegiate level.

“Trevor is a coach’s athlete,” said Smith. He’s the guy that is always there early, he stays late, he’s a leader to his peers on the team and they respect him.

Trevor is without a doubt dedicated to his team, he’s loyal to his teammates.

On top of that he is a multi-sport athlete, so I think he understands the sense of year-round accountability that you need to succeed at the next level. I think he’s playing for a really good program and I know he’s playing for a great coach in Coach Thomas.”

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Page 16 • March 2020 Carlen Whirley One of Marshall County’s most prolific goalkeepers formally signed to continue her education and athletic career.

In February, Carlen Whirley signed announced her plans to attend Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. Freed-Hardeman is an NAIA school playing in the American Midwest Conference.

Whirley was a key part of three consecutive regional championships for the Lady Marshals. Leading one of the state’s most indomitable defenses, Whirley is the career leader in shut outs for the school.

On Sept. 7 in the Lady Marshals 8-0 win over Ohio County, Carlen broke the single-season shut out record as part of an 18 shut out senior season.

The Lady Marshals finished 183-4 in 2019, winning the Second District Championship and First Region Championship, advancing to the KHSAA State Soccer Tournament where they fell to eventual 2019 state champion Greenwood 2-1.

Whirley earned First Team All-Region honors her sophomore, junior and senior seasons, was an Honorable Mention All-State her junior year and First Team All-State her senior year.

In 2019, the Freed-Hardeman Lions went 9-7 overall, including a 5-1 record at home. The Lions will be the home for a number of area standouts. Along with Whirley, Marshall County dual sport athlete Tori Ford signed with Freed-Hardeman in January. Ford was a midfielder at Marshall County High School while also playing at defender. Ford also competed in track. In soccer, Ford was named to the All-Region second team in 2018 and 2019. Marshall County was three-time district and region champion during her high school career. Joining the two is Calloway County standout Zoe Stom.

April 2020 • Page 17

Bailee Patel Paducah Tilghman High School senior Bailee Patel signed a swimming scholarship with Rollins College at a signing ceremony held at Dinning Gymnasium on February 11.

Patel has been a key member of the PTHS swim team since 2016. She has been a three-time region champion in the 100 breast, 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay, and 400 Free Relay. She was a state finalist in

the 100 breaststroke in 2019, and holds regional records in the 100 breaststroke, the 200 Medley Relay, and the 400 Free Relay. She was named Region 1 Outstanding Female Athlete at the 2020 Region 1 Swim Tournament. Academically, Patel is ranked ninth in the PTHS class of 2020.

“I will remember Bailee for her hard work, dedication and achievement,” said PTHS Swim Coach Mark Curtis. “Bailee works hard in practice. She’s dedicated

to becoming a better swimmer and a better student in the classroom. As a result, she’s achieved regional records in the pool and an excellent academic record.”

Patel is a member of the Tilghman Bell staff, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Interact. She is an alumnus of Paducah Chamber of Commerce Youth LEAD. Her parents are Melanie and Shiraz Patel.

Page 18 • March 2020 Tori Ford The Freed-Hardeman University women’s soccer and track and field teams signed of Tori Ford from Marshall County High School. Ford will begin this fall as a freshman for the Lady Lions and will also participate in track and field for coach Derrick Spradlin next spring.

Ford was a midfielder at Marshall County High School while also playing at defender. The Benton, Kentucky, native was a standout for both programs in high school and currently preparing for her final track season. In soccer, Ford was named to the All-Region second team in 2018 and 2019. Marshall County was three-time district and region champion during her high school career.

In track, she anchored the first place 4X800 meter and 4X400 meter teams at regionals in 2019. She finished third at regionals her junior year in the 400-meter race with a time of one minute. Marshall County finished second at regionals last year and Ford anchored the 4x400 meter team at state in 2017 and 2018.

Zoe Stom

“We are really excited to have Tori coming to play soccer at Freed-Hardeman,” coach Jason Elliott said. “She is a great athlete and one who will really develop at this level. She impressed us with her movement without the ball, vision and speed. Tori will be a leader on campus and comes from a great family. Her ability in track will also help that program right way.”

Ford is the third signee for the Lady Lions Soccer Program for the 2020 season joining Katy Weddle (Temple High School, Temple, TX) and Zoe Stom (Calloway Co. High School, Kirksey, KY). Tori’s sister Jade is also on the FHU track and field team.

year, Stom scored 42 goals while assisting on 10 goals and had 94 points. For her career she scored 108 goals, 28 assists and 244 points.

a member of the New Concord Church of Christ, plans to major in Elementary Education and is a 4.0 student. Stom joins Katy Weddle (Temple High School, Temple, Texas) in the 2020 Lady Lions recruiting class.

Ford will join Lady Marshal teammate Carlen Whirley, who also signed with Freed-Hardeman earlier this year.

Freed-Hardeman University head soccer coach Jason Elliott has announced the commitment of Zoe Stom to a soccer scholarship for next season. The forward from Calloway County High School is expected to be an important player for the Lady Lions program over the coming years.

“Zoe is going to do well at Freed-Hardeman,” Elliott said. “She comes from a great family and has experience both at Calloway and at the club level. Her ability to score goals in high school should enable her to create scoring chances for us here during her career.”

Stom was named All-District, First Team All-Region, Region 1 Co-Player of the Year, All-State Second Team and to the Inaugural All-Purchase Soccer Team during her senior year. She holds the records at Calloway County for goals in a career and points in a career. Her senior

Stom is the daughter of Jeremy and Nikki Stom of Kirksey, Kentucky. She is

ANNOUNCEMENT? SIGNING? ITEMS OF INTEREST?

Spread the news to nearly 3,000 readers in western Kentucky! Send relevant information on player signings, club or program announcements or other items of interest to: wkysports@gmail.com.

April 2020 • Page 19 Zion Harmon Marshall County’s Zion Harmon will be staying in west Kentucky.

The basketball standout has announced plans to play for Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers are part of Division I Conference USA. Harmon, a four star recruit, announced his commitment in a video on social media.

Harmon had been connected to Kansas, Maryland and Murray State University before announcing his selection.

The junior set multiple program records at Marshall County this season and earned his 2,000th career point in the state during January.Harmon is originally from Maryland.

Records set this season were: most points in a game (50), most free throws in a game (19), most made 3-pointers in a season (95), tied for most completed 3-pointer’s in a game (10) and highest 3-point percentage in a season (49 percent).

After the 2019-2020 season, Harmon was considered by many national sources to be among the top 100 players in the country.

Page 20 • March 2020

Brown, Neely recognized for overcoming adversity in their seasons STAFF REPORT

Two west Kentucky athletes have been named to the Tom Leach All-Resilient Team,

Lyon County’s Cathryn Brown and Mayfield’s Kade Neely were announced as part of the 2020 team, which honors student-athletes from Kentucky high schools who had to overcome adversity to participate or excel in sports in the past calendar year.

“Year in and year out, we hear these stories about amazing young people in our state and this year is no different. Hearing about the obstacles these young men and women had to overcome is always inspiring,” said Tom Leach, voice of the Kentucky Wildcats.

Nominations are sought from high school athletic directors and the team is honored at the annual KHSADA awards banquet each spring. The students also get recognition via ‘salutes’ on ‘The Leach Report’ radio show’s statewide network. The awards and the radio spots are made possible by longtime sponsors Keeneland, Bumblebee Team Sports, Star Manufacturing and the Stoll, Keenon, Ogden law office.

Brown excelled at both golf and basketball for Lyon County in the past year. She also devoted part of her time to her brother, Cullan Brown, the University of Kentucky golfer who was in 2019 with osteosarcoma in his knee. In September, the University of Kentucky announced Cullan would step away af-

Kade Neely (above) of Mayfield and Cathryn Brown (opposite page) of Lyon County have been recognized as members of the 2020 Tom Leach All-Resilient team. ter starting chemotherapy. He moved back home to keep his left leg in a more stable environment before surgery.

In October, Brown advanced to the final round of the Leachman Buick-GMC-Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Tournament for the first time.As she shot an 81 on opening day, brother Cullan was undergoing early rounds of chemotherapy.

During basketball season, Brown was second in Lady Lyons scoring (324 points) as she stepped up into an inside force, able to keep up with a bruising slate of games that eventually saw the team go 13-17. Along the way, the Lady Lyons made a bid for a state title as they claimed the Second Region All A Championship.

Down the road, Neely was offered a chance to play football at the University of Louisville as a preferred walk-on. The wide receiver chose the Cardinals over Kentucky Wesleyan, who reportedly offered a full ride scholarship.

(Continued on Page 22)

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Page 22 • March 2020

Overcomers Continued from page 20

Neely was a key part of Mayfield’s 13-2 season, which ended 34-31 in the Class 2A championship game Dec. 7. Neely was injured early in the game against Somerset’s Briarjumpers.

Through the season, Neely led the Cardinals’ receiving corps with 1,221 yards on 52 receptions, earning 20 touchdowns. He also ran 19 times for a net 114 yards, earning four scores on the ground.

Despite the injury, Neely was able to return to athletic competition for 21 games on the basketball court. Neely finished third in scoring for the Cardinals with 265 points, averaging 12.6 points per game.

Neely was second in free throws per game for the Cardinals with 2.8, hitting 59-of-94.

Brown and Neely, along with other nominees, will be recognized at the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association’s annual banquet.

Other honorees this year are: Faith Alford, Walton-Verona Kate Bale, Assumption

Amy Barry, Sacred Heart

Chloe Boa, Oldham County

Charlie Calvert, Allen County-Scottsville Preston Dykes, Oldham County Tori Fryman, Williamstown Kaleb Givens, Tates Creek Katie Heath, Hart County

Torie Houston, Covington Holy Cross Trey McCoy, Fairdale

Hayden Perkins, Muhlenberg Co. Kaylin Page, Logan County

Ivan Prudencio, duPont Manual

Samantha Rogers, Bourbon County Cassidy Rowe, Shelby Valley Abigail Thomas, Danville Cathryn Brown is of two local athletes recognized as members of the 2020 Tom Leach All-Resilient team.

Anna Toler, Hancock County Errin Toller, Sacred Heart

Devin Uyhazy, Tates Creek

Page 24 • March 2020

Lyon native wins TBF’s top prize FURNISHED STORY

The Bass Federation’s top anglers from across the nation and Canada traveled to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, Okla., in March for the 2020 Federation National Championship. 108 TBF anglers had their sights set on the National Champion titles, lucrative “Living YOUR Dream” boater and co-angler champions prize packages, Ranger Cup contingencies and cash prizes in the events $380,000-plus, cash and prize payout.

Two national champion anglers were crowned victorious and walk away with all the glory.

Lance Freeman from Kentucky held on to the lead to be named the 2020 Federation National Champion boater. He is a native of Lyon County.

Freeman had five fish limits all three tournament days with 14 pounds 14 ounces, 19 pounds 8 ounces and 19 pounds 15 ounces to make his winning total 54 pounds 5 ounces.

“It’s truly a blessing. From the second cast this morning to the last; it’s been a wild ride,” Freeman told the crowd gathered at Grove. “I am blessed beyond belief. On my way to Oklahoma I had this feeling. It’s an unrealistic feeling, surreal, God feeling that something was going to go my way. Practice was tough but then the first tournament day everything went right. The whole week to here it was just like tunnel vision.”

Freeman was awarded the “Living YOUR Dream” boater prize package valued at over $125,000 including a 2020 Ranger Z520L with Evinrude 250 G2, fully loaded with Power Poles, MinnKota trolling motor, Lowrance

(Continued on next page)

Lance Freeman, a Lyon County native, has claimed The Bass Federation’s 2020 National Federation Championship. Freeman was one of 108 anglers competing for the top prize.

April 2020 • Page 25

Lyon native wins TBF’s top prize Continued from previous page

electronics, TH Marine locker bar and a custom Ranger trail trailer.

The package also includes $20,000 cash, $5,000 entry fees into affiliated circuit of choice, entry into FLW Series Championship which has a $200,000 top prize, a reserved slot in the 2021 FLW Pro Circuit and berth in the 2020 BFL All-American with travel and housing stipends and guaranteed payout with $100,000 top prize at that event as well as clothing package and more.

“Today was a miracle. On the last cast of the day I was just fishing stuff that looked good around Elk river even though I caught most my fish on the south end of the lake and caught the great big ole fish there,” Freeman said.

“It was about 6, 6 1/2 pounds. It’s like you look and its the ten seconds of eternity you have. One of those moments the sun was shining on you. The biggest breaths of fresh air. I’m speechless in so many ways and so thankful for you guys.”

Freeman and President/CEO, Robert Cartlidge, spoke on stage about the caliber of angler that stands the test over and over again. The kind of angler Freeman is and the style he’s displayed since he adapted fishing over 13 years ago when he started fishing TBF’s junior program.

“I’m not the big guy wearing the jersey pushing around – everyone look at me- I’m just a boy that likes to go fishing.

I had a blast with all of my co-anglers.

Every day, it was about having some fun and fishing, making the most of every moment.

tournament total 36 pounds 6 ounces.

Freeman joins the ranks of TBF success stories across the nation. He started in TBF’s junior program at 11 years old and still remembers his first TBF tournament. He also advanced to the TBF Junior World Championship. Now, 13 years later, he holds the title of Federation National Champion.

But, today was more like the first day out there for me condition-wise. I had a limit by 8:57am and I was culling by 9 o’clock. We caught fish all day.”

“Today, we caught our limits about 20 seconds apart around 9am and then we were just sitting there having the time of our lives in the pouring rain.”

“For the first time in my life I think I’m speechless. I’ve been calling every fish a blessing all week,” Freeman continued.

“Thank you so much TBF. I grew up with this support and I love this sport for what it is, fishing.

I’m still in shock. I mean, to look out in the crowd and see the people that literally brought me up in the same organization, to be sitting right there, the guys who took me out fishing when I was little.

Words can not describe that feeling.”

The National Champion Co-Angler, Derick Pendleton, lead the event from start to finish. Pendleton celebrated his birthday catching the biggest bag of day one with 20 pounds 5 ounces. Yesterday, he caught two fish for 4 pounds 2 ounces. Today, he brought in another five bass limit for 11 pounds 15 ounces to make his

“It’s been phenomenal. I had a great day on the water today,” Pendleton said.

“I struggled yesterday, had a little setback.

I’m not going to lie. I was so nervous only having an 8 ounce lead coming into today.

I didn’t know where it was going to land me.

It’s not Pendleton’s birthday anymore but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. He was awarded the 2020 “Living YOUR Dream” Co-angler prize package valued at over $33,000. The package includes $20,000 cash, $500 BassPro Shops/Cabela’s gift card, a PowerPole Certificate, MinnKota trolling motor, clothing package and entry into the FLW Series Championship with top prize there of $30,000.

Pendleton also received a berth in the 2020 BFL All-American with travel and housing stipends top prize of $50,000 plus $5,000 of paid entry fees into the affiliated circuit of his choice.

“It’s literally living the dream, this is… this is a dream for me to do this. TBF gave me this opportunity and it is just incredible. I’ll be pulling into Indiana around 3 o’clock in the morning and I don’t care, every body will know I’m home.”

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Lance Freeman, a Lyon County native, has claimed The Bass Federation’s 2020 National Federation Championship.

Freeman was one of 108 anglers competing for the top prize.

Continued from previous page Pendleton is representing Indiana’s Hoosier HogHunters and the Northern Division. He’s already making plans to fish the BFL All-American.

“No matter what, I’m not passing this opportunity up. It’s a dream I’ve always wanted and I’m going to live it how

I want to right now. It’s a dream, holy cow, and I’m going to live it.”

For the first time in event history, Ranger Cup contingencies will be awarded to the top five Ranger Cup qualified TBF boaters and the top 5 TBF co-anglers. The top five boaters will awarded $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $1,000 & $500 and the top co-anglers will re-

ceive $2,000, $1,250, $750, $500 and $250.

The top Ranger Cup qualified boater was, Sam Heckman, from Pueblo, Colo. Heckman had a five bass limit today weighing 16 pounds 10 ounces making his tournament total 35 pounds 14 ounces. He was awarded a $2,500 Ranger Cup voucher for his efforts.

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THE BACK PAGE

By Jody Norwood | Editor

Speaking as a sports fan, the dad of a youth athlete and part of a small business: this stinks.

March and April are typically big times for sports fans. Nationally, you’ve got the NBA, the NCAA tournaments and the NFL draft. More importantly (to many of us) you’ve got local sports, too.

Track, baseball, softball, middle school soccer and bass fishing.

This spring, that hasn’t really been the case.

As local, state and federal governments work to stop the spread of the Corona virus, agencies have enacted a number of social distancing safety measures. Most of them boil down to keeping as distant from everyone else as possible.

Which is understandable.

It’s still a disappointment to our student athletes, particularly those in their senior seasons. Many of them have played their respective sport for more than a decade, forging friendships and honing their skills through countless hours of practice and diligence. For those who were hoping to take their field for their final year of high school eligibility, this was their time to shine.

And, for some, it was their final chance to show scouts and college coaches just what they are capable of.

If you know a senior, keep that in mind.

For student athletes, the month or two (or more) out of classes isn’t anything to celebrate. It’s a trying time for them.

If you’ve got a student athlete in your life, keep that in mind.

Help them come to terms with the transition ahead and remind them that involvements in sports — eventually — evolves. Some will go on to play at a higher level and others will look forward to the occasional pickup game or maybe coaching.

Whatever lies in their future, if you know a senior athlete, save a few minutes for them. From six feet away, of course.

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April 2020 • Page 27

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