Local anglers earn sixth in world championship
Russell County’s Caden Hall and Kaleb Wilson finished sixth overall in last week’s 17th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship. The duo brought recognition to the area, and earned $100,000 in scholarship offers. (Caden Hall)
Staff Report
A Russell County fishing duo earned a top ten finish in last week’s 17th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship.
Caden Hall and Kaleb Wilson finished sixth overall in the tournament-earning not only prestige, but $100,000 in scholarship offers.
“I’m so excited and emotional for them,” Caden’s mother, Laura Hall, said Monday. “It’s a true blessing. It’s amazing.”
Amazing, indeed!
Richly representing Russell County, Hall and Wilson were the highest-finishing team from Kentucky.
During last week’s tourney, which featured over 330 teams from all across the United States and even Canada, the duo angled their way into the Top Ten on Second Chance Friday.
Fellow anglers Blane Smith and Tate Reynolds also put Russell County on the board with a Top 50 finish Friday.
The tournament, held in Kentucky for the first time, ever, brought thousands of spectators to the area-filling area motels, rentals, and restaurants.
Officials said the overall impact from the event could be in the millions of dollars.
Joey Bray the National Youth Director & Program Manager for the tournament, expressed appreciation for the community’s warm welcome and support.
“I think it’s been a great event,” he said.
Bray praised Danielle Wilson and Crystal Popplewell, with the Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission, for the time and effort` they extended for the tournament.
“They’ve done a lot to put this together,” he said. “They worked tirelessly. We have a lot to do, and this is the 17th years for us. We know what to do on our end, but getting the community support like we have makes our job a lot easier.”
Bray said the tournament hopes to return, and feels even though it was a first time for both the county and state, the positive results may be long-term.
“The impact on this community is going to be phenomenal,” he said.
