Thanks Dave
We all know Dave Mercer as the crazy T.V. personality and host of Facts of Fishing. His personality has become part of the sportsman fabric in Canada and his laugh could one day replace the cry of the Loon as the predominant call of the wild.
What you probably don't know is the inordinate amount of time and money Dave contributes to kids fishing and the Junior Bassmaster program. As the single largest contributor to the Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation Juniors, Dave not only helps send our kids south to compete internationally, he rewards their efforts in conservation.
From all of us at the OBFN Junior program we would like to express our gratitude for your incredible commitment both from heart and pocket. Thanks Dave!
We would also like to thank our other contributors and sponsors for thier generous donations.
Congratulations Jake & Mark
for a great 2008.
Mark Morrison 11 to 14 group (left) and Jake Sasnowski 15 to 18 group (right) were the 2008 Junior Bassmaster Champs.
Both boys went on to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire where Jack took top spot and went on the Junior World Championships in Kansas.
Unfortunatly freezing cold temperatures and 100 km winds put an end to his quest.
Barrie Bassmaster Junior Michael Evers of Barrie Ontario receives the Presidents Award for Excellence.
For the first time a Junior Bassmaster has won the Presidents Award for Excellence. The award is given to members that demonstrate dedication and passion to our organization. Michael rarely misses an opportunity to volunteer to help at tournaments and conservation projects. He is also the recipient of two junior Sportsman Like Conduct awards and was the 2007 junior contender for Team Ontario.
Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Youth Director Gerry Heels commented " Michael is a roll model for our juniors and a true ambassador for our sport and organization. He is always the first one there to help out and the first to shake hands with his competitors and speak highly of his fellow OBFN members".
Said Mike " I would like to thank Mr. Heels for all his help and dedication to our junior Bassmaster program". I would also like to thanks all those that contribute their time and efforts to our junior program"
Mark (Van Dam) Morrison and Ryan Finnie will represent the OBFN Junior Bassmasters at Candlewood Lake.
For the second year in a row Mark Morrison of Innisfil will be the 11 to 14 year old Junior Bassmaster representative for the Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Team Ontario at the Eastern Divisinons.. Ryan Finnie, of Hensel Ontario will represent the 15 to 18 year old group. Ryan was also the junior representative for Team Ontario in 2006.
Both juniors will accompany the members of the senior Team Ontario to Candlewood Lake in Connecticut next year.
Starting in 2009 the juniors played an important roll on Team Ontario as thier total weights will be added to the seniors cumulative weights. The boys will fish with the senior team captian on the last day of the tournament.
