By By Mike Giles / outdoors writer
Aug. 23, 2003
The second Meridian Star casting contest held at the Frank Cochran Center during The Meridian Star Expo was a big success with many excited children and youth competing for bragging rights and prizes.
Riley Payne of Meridian took first place in the 11-15 year old division with a score of 90 points. Payne won a nice Quantum rod and reel combo and tackle box as well as the title of champion.
After the first round, three anglers tied for second with 70 points. During a cast off, Dallas Hannah came in second by scoring 130 points. Hannah won a Pinnacle rod and reel combo and tackle box. Right on his heels was Justin Giles finishing third with 120 points, good enough for a nice casting rod and reel. Fourth place and a tackle box went to last year's champion Trey Johnson.
Tie Breaker
Adam Eubanks came to the casting contest all the way from Louisville in search of a win. After a tough first round that saw Eubanks and David Ethridge tie at 90 points apiece, another cast off was in order. This time Eubanks scored 100 points while edging out Ethridge for the ten and under championship. This wasn't his first rodeo however, as he is a former Casting Kids state champion. Both of these talented anglers won rod and reel combos and tackle boxes.
There was also a tie for third between Peyt Mosley and Seth Tibbets. These two young anglers scored 80 points during the first round. Mosley got the better of the cast off by scoring 90 points and taking third place, which was good enough for a rod and reel combo. Tibbets came away with fourth and a nice tackle box and a Mississippi Woods and Waters cap.
Plenty to do
Don't have anything to do? Did you miss out on the fine event put on by the Meridian Star last weekend at the Expo? While many complain about nothing to do, there were a few sponsors who helped create activities. They contributed to the success of the kids casting contest. Every child and youth who participated in the contest walked away with a pack of worms or a lure thanks to Gordon Collum of Collum's Baits. And Lisa Barrett graciously donated bait packs and lures for the youngsters. Barrett's father, Guy Layton, made all of the lures donated by Barrett, who has special feelings for the youngsters.
The Meridian Star and Richard Davis of Nationwide Insurance sponsored the prizes that were given away to the winning participants. And finally, thanks to Joe Giles, Ken Murphy and Kathy Giles for helping put on the casting contest.
When concerned people come together with a commitment to help the youth, things can work out for everyone involved. Right now I'm making a commitment to the youth of the community to put together a bass fishing seminar next spring, so stay tuned. Things are happening in Meridian. Just look around and see!