Berkley Awards Collegiate Anglers for Conservation Ideas
Collegiate anglers participating in the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship were presented the opportunity to submit entries for the Berkley Conservation Institute Collegiate Angler Of-The-Year awards.
Andrew Marks of Pure Fishing summarized the program by saying "The entries were fantastic! They showed not only the passion and understanding that these anglers have for the sport and industry, but also a great sense of creativity. I received PowerPoint presentations, videos on DVD and Mini DV as well as written reports. While all of the entries were good, the standouts were clear. Clayton Hahn from Texas State University had a complete packet that was worthy of being a graduate thesis. I was proud to award him the first place trophy and a $1,000 scholarship. His report and presentation on "Collegiate Angler Willingness to Pay and Perceptions toward Inland Fisheries Conservation" was heavily researched and documented with facts and surveys. Ryan Watkins of Stephen F. Austin State University submitted a great video on "Education is Conservation – Fish Care and Habitat Protection". He was awarded the second place trophy and a $500 scholarship. Scott Wiley and his partner Charlie Macheck produced a nice video on dual subjects – Catch and Release along with Selective Harvesting. They were awarded 3rd place and $500 in tackle.
"These awards are some of the most exciting to me because they're judged not only on their fishing ability and how they handle themselves at the weigh-in, but the majority of the award is based on how they use their skills that they're learning in college and applying them to the conservation aspects of our industry.
"The format that Careco Multimedia brings to this tournament series allows Berkley along with Abu Garcia and All Star to award contingency prizes, making this a great partnership and program."
For more information on the Association of Collegiate Anglers and BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship go to www.collegiatebasschampionship.com
Media Contact
Wade Midleton, WadeMiddleton@aol.com | 
