The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will run from Thursday to Saturday instead of Friday to Sunday when it takes to the water for the fifth time in July.
The change was made to better accommodate the anglers, said Ray Engelbertink, media relations spokesman for the FFCBC, adding many of them face lengthy trips back to their hometowns after the final weigh-in.
“I think it will be a tremendous opportunity for the tournament,” he said Monday afternoon. “Number one, it will be best for the anglers in that it will either allow them an extra travel day or another day for them to hang around town.
“And now we’ll also be able to have a special day [on the] Sunday for our sponsors and volunteers, which we haven’t been able to do in the past,” he added.
The new format also will eliminate the committee’s need to “rush” the awards ceremony, and give the anglers and their spouses a chance to participate in the social Saturday night before heading for home the next day.
“It is just a way of fine-tuning the tournament to make it like some of the larger tournaments in the U.S. and make it a lot more comfortable for the anglers,” long-time FFCBC committee member Doug Cain noted.
“We’re always finding new ideas from other tournaments and make it work here. It shows we’ve done our homework,” he added.
Another change was the formation of an “angler advisory committee” by the FFCBC board of directors to collect input on various topics surrounding the tournament.
The idea originated after last year’s event, and the nine members are expected to meet sometime in February to discuss any aspects that affect the anglers.
The FFCBC board was looking for a way to glean information from the anglers who, in many cases, have years of experience fishing in elite tournaments in both Canada and the U.S.
The anglers, many of whom were selected to represent a large cross-section, include Ron Lindner, Joe Freedy, Clint Barton, John Gibbins, Barry “Woody” Woods, Frank McClymont, Greg Asplund, David Garber, and Wayne Howard.
Engelbertink said the reason for the advisory committee was to receive feedback from the anglers, which he said goes a long way in assuring the success of the tournament.
Although organizers feel the anglers will be better accommodated with the change in schedule, Engelbertink admitted there will be some added pressure to find the appropriate number of volunteers needed to ensure the tournament runs without a hitch.
“I don’t think so,” he predicted. “There’s always the risk of that but I don’t think [it will have an affect].”
< *c>New faces
In related news, the FFCBC committee itself will see several new faces for this year’s tournament as they attempt to fill several vacancies on the board, including past chairman John McTaggart, who will remain on the board in an advisory role and continue to act as “interim” chairman until a new one is named.
Dean Quinn (sites and facilities), Gord McBride (marketing and advertising), Pam Buttner (bar services), and Julie Crichton also have stepped down after several years as committee members.
Joining the mix will be Robin Wright (director of fundraising) and Bob Kitowski (site and facility) while Doug Cain will make the move from fundraising to director of marketing.
Jodi Nastor is now the sole director of volunteer services and Sherry Kaun has been named the director of entertainment (both these jobs had co-directors last year).
The positions of committee chair and director of bar services are expected to be announced in the near future.
Although the tournament committee will see several new “recruits” this year, it always is looking for more people. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time in any capacity can call Nastor at 274-0316 or toll-free at 1-800-820-3678.
Tentative schedule of events
for 1999 FFCBC tournament
< *c>Tuesday, July 20
•Parade of boats
•Beer Gardens Official Opening
< *c>Wednesday, July 21
•Anglers/Sponsors breakfast
•Kids/Pro tournament
•Official welcome and rules meeting
•Live entertainment
< *c>Thursday, July 22
•Tournament fishing
•Live entertainment
< *c>Friday, July 23
•Tournament fishing
•Anglers’ fish fry
•Live entertainment
< *c>Saturday, July 24
•Awards presentations
•Anglers’ steak fry
•Live entertainment
< *c>Sunday, July 25
•Volunteer/Sponsor event
