MARSHALL, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Vigo County School Corporation and St. Jude’s hosted their 3rd annual Bass Fishing County Championship on Sunday.
Seven teams from Terre Haute North, South, and West Vigo competed to see who could bring in the most weight. Bass fishing is now a sport that is eligible for a varsity letter at these three schools.
There was a massive push to make bass fishing a sanctioned school sport in the Wabash Valley. One of the leaders of this charge was Terre Haute North assistant coach, Merv Javins.
“When I graduated high school in 1973, I wrote a paper about competitive bass fishing when it was first gaining popularity. Even back then I saw the importance and love the people of this area had for this sport and I made it my mission to try and get this to be a sport in these high schools.”
A big part of this event is their partnership with St. Jude’s Hospital. Students raise money for them as a part of required community service for the team.
For assistant coach Mike Auten and his son, Ryan, St. Jude Hospital means everything to them.
“Teams are competing to be the best team in the Wabash Valley, raising money for a good cause, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. My son wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for St. Jude.”
For those interested in donating to St. Jude’s, click the link here.
