Other Sports Bass fishing proposed as a Missouri high school activity

Craqhead · 02-06-2009, 11:28 PM

Dang wish they had this as a option when I was in High School. I know K~State has a fishing team. Anyone know if any of the other Big 12 schools have fishing?

This warm weather sure gives ya fishing fever... if ya fish that is.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/1020244.html

Posted on Thu, Feb. 05, 2009
Bass fishing proposed as a Missouri high school activity
By BRENT FRAZEE
The Kansas City Star

Picture this: Spectators in bleachers tensely watch as points are posted on a scoreboard, cheerleaders wave pompoms and young athletes sweat out a close contest.

A typical high school game or match? Well, not quite.

Someday, this scene may take place at a Missouri reservoir — as part of a high-school bass fishing tournament.

Don’t laugh.

Once you get over the unlikely prospect of a student lettering in bass fishing or getting a scholarship to fish for some Division I school, consider this: Bass fishing already has become a recognized high school activity in Illinois. And a group of fishermen in the bass-rich Ozarks are pushing for the sport to gain the same status in Missouri.

“I know I would have had more interest in school if there had been a bass fishing team,” said John Neporadny of Lake Ozark, Mo., a nationally known outdoors writer. “This has the potential to bring in a whole new group of kids who hadn’t been involved in sports before.

“With bass fishing being so popular in Missouri, this is a natural. I think it would go over big.”

Neporadny is leading the charge to get bass fishing recognized as part of Missouri’s high school scene. A former guide and tournament fisherman, he has seen the sport’s popularity explode.

From the big pro tournaments on reservoirs such as Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake to the bass club events on countless bodies of water in the state, Missouri is crazy about bass fishing.

And Neporadny thinks that carries over to youngsters of high school age.

“A lot of these kids in the Ozarks are brought up fishing,” he said. “I know a lot of high school kids who are very good fishermen.

“This would give them another outlet. And it would offer teaching tools in biology, meteorology and even math.”

The concept already has been endorsed in Illinois, the first state to offer bass fishing as a state-sanctioned high-school activity. This spring, 214 of the 775 Illinois high schools will compete in a tournament series to determine a state champion.

They will start with 10 to 12 sectionals, with the top four or five teams at each of those events advancing to the finals May 8-9 at Carlyle Lake.

Neporadny and others see no reason something similar can’t take place in Missouri.

One of the biggest supporters of the concept is Jim Huson, an American history teacher at Republic High School. He fishes tournaments in the Ozarks and teaches a summer-school class on bass fishing. There is classroom instruction three days a week and a half day of actual fishing, often with pro fishermen.

“This is my way of passing along my passion for bass fishing,” Huson said. “We may be the only high school in the country that has a class like this.

“It’s been unbelievably popular. Once we open enrollment, it doesn’t take long for the class to fill up.”

Huson has joined Neporadny in mounting a campaign to get bass fishing recognized as a high school sport.

His proposal to the Missouri State High School Activities Association looks something like this:

•Each school that chose to participate would field a team of four fishermen.

•The state would be divided into four regions, each of which would have a sectional tournament.

•Schools would fish as a team, two boats per school. Total weight of bass for each team would count for that school.

•The top 10 teams in each sectional would advance to a state tournament.

•All boats would be operated by a coach or school representative, though students would be allowed to handle the trolling motor.

Neporadny and Huson have been busy this winter trying to gain support for the idea. The activities association will start by including bass fishing on a questionnaire that will go out to state schools soon.

If there is adequate interest, it would then be placed on a ballot and voted on by representatives of member schools this spring. If it passed, bass fishing probably would start as an activity, not a sport. But that could change, depending on the popularity of the events.

“Anytime we can provide activities that give students a reason to wake up and want to go to school, it’s a positive thing,” said Jason West, a spokesman for the activities association, “But we can’t add activities just to add them.

“We have to make sure there’s adequate support from our schools. That’s the process we’re in now — to see if that support is there.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASS FISHING
The competition would include many of the same concepts as other interscholastic sporting events.

•Scoreboards: Digital scales weigh each fisherman’s catch and the weight is posted on a scoreboard.

•Bleachers: Fans would watch weigh-ins from a designated area at the edge of the lake.

•Concession stands: What would be more appropriate than fish and chips? Just make sure the fish aren’t bass. Those go back in the water after weigh-ins.

•Venues: There would be no shortage of potential tournament sites in Missouri. The Show-Me State has nationally recognized bass waters.

•More information: For more information on the drive to get high school bass fishing in Missouri, call John Neporadny at 573-365-4296.

Sam Hall · 02-06-2009, 11:42 PM

I could easily see this becoming popular.

ChiefsCountry · 02-07-2009, 01:02 AM

I bet all my local high schools could kick ass at it, joy of living at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Chief Pote · 02-07-2009, 07:19 AM

Thats funny.

**MahiMike** · 02-07-2009, 08:17 AM

Well Shucks.

**Skip Towne** · 02-07-2009, 11:50 AM

What's next, frog giggin'?

EyePod · 02-07-2009, 11:57 AM

OK, I think this is ridiculously hickish, but for where I grew up, EVERYONE was not around on the 1st day of hunting season, including the teachers.

Also, I think this may be the first valuable thing that a high school could teach its students. At least if something happened and the student was lost in woods with nothing but his fishin' pole, he would know how to use it!

The Chief · 02-07-2009, 12:32 PM

Im so jealous, I really wish they had this 15 years ago! I would have never missed any school. If golf can be a school sport then fishing should be one too.

Jilly · 02-07-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Chief

Im so jealous, I really wish they had this 15 years ago! I would have never missed any school. If golf can be a school sport then fishing should be one too.

no.

The Chief · 02-07-2009, 12:37 PM

why not?

Discuss Thrower · 02-07-2009, 12:38 PM

If ESPN is broadcasting collegiate bass fishing tourneys, then there is no reason that MSHSAA can't support the activity.

The Chief · 02-07-2009, 12:41 PM

Last year the fishing industry generated $46 billion in revenue from sport fisherman.

Jilly · 02-07-2009, 12:45 PM

golf takes skill....

fishing takes luck....

beavis · 02-07-2009, 12:51 PM

This will do wonders for shedding the redneck image of the state.

Jilly · 02-07-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beavis

This will do wonders for shedding the redneck image of the state.

yes and our education rating....I'm sure sinking money into fishing programs will really get our education system on the right track

02-06-2009, 11:28 PM
Craqhead Huh Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: KC, Mo Casino cash: $10004900	Bass fishing proposed as a Missouri high school activity Dang wish they had this as a option when I was in High School. I know K~State has a fishing team. Anyone know if any of the other Big 12 schools have fishing? This warm weather sure gives ya fishing fever... if ya fish that is. http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/1020244.html Posted on Thu, Feb. 05, 2009 Bass fishing proposed as a Missouri high school activity By BRENT FRAZEE The Kansas City Star Picture this: Spectators in bleachers tensely watch as points are posted on a scoreboard, cheerleaders wave pompoms and young athletes sweat out a close contest. A typical high school game or match? Well, not quite. Someday, this scene may take place at a Missouri reservoir — as part of a high-school bass fishing tournament. Don’t laugh. Once you get over the unlikely prospect of a student lettering in bass fishing or getting a scholarship to fish for some Division I school, consider this: Bass fishing already has become a recognized high school activity in Illinois. And a group of fishermen in the bass-rich Ozarks are pushing for the sport to gain the same status in Missouri. “I know I would have had more interest in school if there had been a bass fishing team,” said John Neporadny of Lake Ozark, Mo., a nationally known outdoors writer. “This has the potential to bring in a whole new group of kids who hadn’t been involved in sports before. “With bass fishing being so popular in Missouri, this is a natural. I think it would go over big.” Neporadny is leading the charge to get bass fishing recognized as part of Missouri’s high school scene. A former guide and tournament fisherman, he has seen the sport’s popularity explode. From the big pro tournaments on reservoirs such as Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake to the bass club events on countless bodies of water in the state, Missouri is crazy about bass fishing. And Neporadny thinks that carries over to youngsters of high school age. “A lot of these kids in the Ozarks are brought up fishing,” he said. “I know a lot of high school kids who are very good fishermen. “This would give them another outlet. And it would offer teaching tools in biology, meteorology and even math.” The concept already has been endorsed in Illinois, the first state to offer bass fishing as a state-sanctioned high-school activity. This spring, 214 of the 775 Illinois high schools will compete in a tournament series to determine a state champion. They will start with 10 to 12 sectionals, with the top four or five teams at each of those events advancing to the finals May 8-9 at Carlyle Lake. Neporadny and others see no reason something similar can’t take place in Missouri. One of the biggest supporters of the concept is Jim Huson, an American history teacher at Republic High School. He fishes tournaments in the Ozarks and teaches a summer-school class on bass fishing. There is classroom instruction three days a week and a half day of actual fishing, often with pro fishermen. “This is my way of passing along my passion for bass fishing,” Huson said. “We may be the only high school in the country that has a class like this. “It’s been unbelievably popular. Once we open enrollment, it doesn’t take long for the class to fill up.” Huson has joined Neporadny in mounting a campaign to get bass fishing recognized as a high school sport. His proposal to the Missouri State High School Activities Association looks something like this: •Each school that chose to participate would field a team of four fishermen. •The state would be divided into four regions, each of which would have a sectional tournament. •Schools would fish as a team, two boats per school. Total weight of bass for each team would count for that school. •The top 10 teams in each sectional would advance to a state tournament. •All boats would be operated by a coach or school representative, though students would be allowed to handle the trolling motor. Neporadny and Huson have been busy this winter trying to gain support for the idea. The activities association will start by including bass fishing on a questionnaire that will go out to state schools soon. If there is adequate interest, it would then be placed on a ballot and voted on by representatives of member schools this spring. If it passed, bass fishing probably would start as an activity, not a sport. But that could change, depending on the popularity of the events. “Anytime we can provide activities that give students a reason to wake up and want to go to school, it’s a positive thing,” said Jason West, a spokesman for the activities association, “But we can’t add activities just to add them. “We have to make sure there’s adequate support from our schools. That’s the process we’re in now — to see if that support is there.” HIGH SCHOOL BASS FISHING The competition would include many of the same concepts as other interscholastic sporting events. •Scoreboards: Digital scales weigh each fisherman’s catch and the weight is posted on a scoreboard. •Bleachers: Fans would watch weigh-ins from a designated area at the edge of the lake. •Concession stands: What would be more appropriate than fish and chips? Just make sure the fish aren’t bass. Those go back in the water after weigh-ins. •Venues: There would be no shortage of potential tournament sites in Missouri. The Show-Me State has nationally recognized bass waters. •More information: For more information on the drive to get high school bass fishing in Missouri, call John Neporadny at 573-365-4296.
Posts: 416

02-06-2009, 11:42 PM	#2
Sam Hall UNSTOPPABLE Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: KC area Casino cash: $9895185	I could easily see this becoming popular. __________________
Posts: 8,137

02-07-2009, 01:02 AM	#3
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $-1591248	I bet all my local high schools could kick ass at it, joy of living at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Posts: 52,140

02-07-2009, 07:19 AM	#4
Chief Pote Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Undercover..... Casino cash: $6872638	Thats funny.
Posts: 3,647

02-07-2009, 08:17 AM	#5
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	Well Shucks.
Posts: 17,387

02-07-2009, 11:50 AM	#6
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	What's next, frog giggin'?
Posts: 69,689

02-07-2009, 11:57 AM	#7
EyePod Forgetting 2013 season end. Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Around Casino cash: $9995735	OK, I think this is ridiculously hickish, but for where I grew up, EVERYONE was not around on the 1st day of hunting season, including the teachers. Also, I think this may be the first valuable thing that a high school could teach its students. At least if something happened and the student was lost in woods with nothing but his fishin' pole, he would know how to use it! __________________ I did not believe in Mahomes until week 1. I've been woke ever since. I'm on board this freight train.
Posts: 5,800

02-07-2009, 12:32 PM	#8
The Chief Starter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid MO Casino cash: $10004900	Im so jealous, I really wish they had this 15 years ago! I would have never missed any school. If golf can be a school sport then fishing should be one too.
Posts: 57

02-07-2009, 12:37 PM	#10
The Chief Starter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid MO Casino cash: $10004900	why not?
Posts: 57

02-07-2009, 12:38 PM	#11
Discuss Thrower "You like to drink?" Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: "I like to drink." Casino cash: $-380000	If ESPN is broadcasting collegiate bass fishing tourneys, then there is no reason that MSHSAA can't support the activity. __________________ Chiefs 2016 Opponents: Home: JAX, TEN, NO, TB, NYJ. Away: HOU, IND, ATL, CAR, PIT Chiefs 2017 Opponents: Home: BUF, MIA, PHI, WSH, AFC North. Away: NE, NYJ, NYG, DAL, AFC South
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02-07-2009, 12:41 PM	#12
The Chief Starter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid MO Casino cash: $10004900	Last year the fishing industry generated $46 billion in revenue from sport fisherman.
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02-07-2009, 12:45 PM	#13
Jilly MVP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lee's Summit Casino cash: $9984925	golf takes skill.... fishing takes luck.... __________________ "In most of our human relationships, we spend much of our time reassuring one another that our costumes of identity are on straight." — Ram Dass
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02-07-2009, 12:51 PM	#14
beavis Free Born Man of the USA Join Date: May 2003 Casino cash: $9954900	This will do wonders for shedding the redneck image of the state.
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