BEGGS, Oklv. – This summer started with the sound of an air horn, kicking off some friendly competition between kids and teens of the Mvskoke Nation. The Native American Youth Fishing Tournament took place on June 1. The competition took place at the Duck Creek Indian Community Center. Participants were split into two groups. The first group consisted of pre-K up to third grade students, and took place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The second group consisted of fourth grade students up to 12th grade students, and lasted from 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The event was free and open to any Native American students of any tribe that go to school within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Participants received a free fishing pole for their attendance.
The kids who attended had more than just friendly competition to look forward to during the day, as the competition had prizes for each of the winners. The student who caught the most fish received a lifetime fishing license, courtesy of the College of the Muscogee Nation. The student who caught the largest fish received a $25 gift card. Needless to say the competition was fierce, with dozens upon dozens of fish caught by the dozens of participants present.
Even before the fog had lifted, there were dozens gathered around the pond, with more appearing as it cleared and the sun began to shine over the landscape. The competition, though fierce, was enjoyed by many, with kids of all ages spread out around the pond in an effort to catch more fish.
The competition would eventually come to an end with organizers counting up the number of fish caught from their lists. Starting with the younger participants, the third highest was Granger De Arman, who caught 23 fish. Following this, the second highest was caught by Addison Ross, who caught 33 fish. Finally, in first place with the highest fish count was Canyon De Arman, who caught 39 fish and won one of the lifetime fishing licenses.
For the older participants, the fourth highest number of fish caught was by Kash Walters, who caught 24 fish. Following this, the third highest was Allison Ross with 29 fish, and the second highest was Braden Harrison with 35 fish. Finally, the winner of the other lifetime fishing license was Lucas Sullins, who caught a remarkable 50 fish total.
Lastly, the winner of the $25 gift card was Logan McNack, who caught a one pound, 14 oz fish.
The event was described by organizers as an overwhelming success, with dozens of students and their families flocking to the center and its pond en masse. “We had a tremendous turnout.” John John Brown of the Duck Creek Indian Community Center said to the crowd. “We hope to have this event in April or May next year.”
