BASS Federation news blog from BASS Masters Magazine, Bassmasters.com

February 13, 2008
Rhode Island Renaissance
BASS Federation Nation Youth Senior Manager Stacy Twiggs, author

Aside from those die-hard ice fisherman, most of us thin-blooded bass fisherman are grinding our teeth into tiny Chiclets® as we eagerly await the approaching fishing season. The promise of warmer weather and giant bass has every serious bass fisherman chomping at the bit and slobbering over some new secret gizmo bait or unexploited fishing technique. The season of snow leaves plenty of time to prep for the promise of spring, but it's also the most popular time for state BASS Federation Nations to host their annual awards banquets and general membership meetings. My recent trip to the smallest state in the country revealed a spirit bigger than the Montana sky.

The Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation annual awards banquet has flourished over the years and become a fine example of the BFN founding principles. A collaborative effort designed to unite their members brings together adult and youth for a special combined awards banquet. Both adult and junior state teams come together to celebrate the past year's accomplishments complete with award presentations and enough pictures to keep Kodak busy until next year's banquet.

Imagine a large group of peers applauding a select team of adult anglers being presented with awards and confirmation of their upcoming trip to the BFN Divisional. Now take a moment to envision the same room interspersed with Junior Bassmasters, fully complemented with decorated jerseys and cheering for their adult mentors. Twenty minutes later, when the roles were reversed, every person in the banquet hall was standing with applause equally flattering for the Junior Bassmasters receiving their awards.

The principle behind a combined banquet is a noble mark of respect for both the adult and youth programs, but it's also a tribute to their goal of integrating their two programs together to the best of their ability. To see the Rhode Island adult state team members along with other adults show the same admiration for their young anglers was an extremely gratifying experience.
In addition to recognizing youth and adult state teams, they honored Rod Hammond with one of the greatest distinctions any BASS member can earn. After reading through a long list of accomplishments they presented Mr. Hammond with the Rhode Island BFN Sportsman of the Year Award. The Northern Rhode Island BASS Anglers were also recognized as Team Club Champions. The club competed the weekend after Independence Day with 8 anglers (4 boaters and 4 non-boaters) competing in a team format where all 8 weights combined together to determine the Team Club Champions. In a theme consistent with the spirit of the Rhode Island BFN, Junior Bassmaster clubs can also team up with their adult sponsoring club to compete in the same event.

This was the second year the state conducted a joint banquet. "The event represents a special opportunity to show appreciation for the people who roll their sleeves up and make things happen within the state," said Roy Costa, Rhode Island BFN president. "There's no way we can possibly thank everyone, but their contributions and support are never taken for granted."
The adult and junior state teams help set up the banquet, hang banners and conduct various fund raisers. Raffle proceeds from the banquet raise money to help support the adult state team as they advance to divisional competition. On the youth side, proceeds go toward funding an entire year's worth of activities, events and awards. "We're very thankful and proud of the support the adults provide to the youth program and their support as boat captains for our events," said Mike Broggi, Rhode Island BFN Youth Director.

Looking across the room, I recognized a familiar face and past Bassmaster Classic qualifier, Joel St. Germain. Bearing the same smile he always has, you could see his support for the youth. He graciously shared products from his personal sponsorships, contributing what he could to the entire Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation. "He's been an unbelievable supporter of the organization and is always willing to contribute," said Costa.
The Rhode Island BFN has worked tirelessly to integrate the youth and adult programs. Broggi is extremely gracious for the overwhelming adult support of the state youth efforts. "Fundraisers like the annual awards banquet help the Rhode Island Junior Bassmaster program fund its annual activities without leaning on the adult treasury," said Broggi.
As I prepared to head back for Florida, Costa proudly reminded me of how special the past year had been. "It's been a great year for the Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation! We hosted the 2007 Eastern Divisional, and the state team stepped up to make it a successful event for all the Eastern Division states in attendance. The team helped coordinate, organize and step up wherever needed."

One glimpse of the Rhode Island BASS Federation Nation and you know that the next 35 years of this grassroots organization is in prepared and well-groomed hands.

Article from Bassmaster.com