On Ice
Olympics Another Big Hit
Drawing on last
year's successful debut, the On Ice Tour Youth Olympics was again
a big hit with kids on Jan. 18 at the 13th annual Brainerd Jaycees
$150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
The
record crowd of over 14,000 contestants, (mostly adults) were on
Gull Lake fishing and hoping to catch the largest fish and drive
home a new Ford Truck at the extravaganza. For the young anglers
that came to Gull Lake their sites were a bit different. They
were looking to win a nifty new sleeping bag, tent or kayak from
Coleman or maybe a new hand auger from StrikeMaster, as they had
come to compete in the 2nd annual On Ice Olympics.
“Fun is what the On Ice Olympics is all about” says
On Ice Tour co-founder Chip Leer.
“We are here sharing our passion for ice fishing
with young people. Each of us that ice fish regularly today were
lucky enough to have someone take the time to show us just how
much fun ice fishing can be. That is what the On Ice Olympics
generates, a positive experience for young people around the sport
of ice fishing” Leer explained.
Hundreds of young people took part in the 2003 On
Ice Olympics despite the steady flow of northwest winds. The
enthusiasm was not dampened by the chilly weather. "It was a lot
of fun," said 13-year-old Andrew Heald of Watertown, Wis., who
placed third in Division 3 (12-14 years). "I would like to try it
again next year."
The On Ice Olympic contest had nine stations that duplicated
actual fishing scenarios that take place on the ice. Each youth
contestant completed a course in which he or she simulated
augering a hole with a hand auger, removed ice chips from a hole,
placed a electronic fish finder, set up a portable fish shelter,
ran to a flag of a tip-up and landed a fish (decoy), stopped for
lunch at the grill, identified a fish through a underwater
camera, reeled up a fish (decoy) with a rod/reel then at the last
station placed equipment into a sled and pulled the equipment over
the finish line.
The
common denominator around the 100’ fences outlining the On Ice
Olympics was smiles. Young people and adults alike took time to
watch and cheer-on the contestants as they worked to be tops of
their age division. There are so many similarities to the actual
Olympic competition you would almost think that you were there.
From the opening ceremonies complete with the national anthem,
lighting of the Olympic flame (a Coleman Lantern), to the
releasing of 24 doves from a cooler the On Ice Olympics are a
unique celebration of the sport of ice fishing.
On Ice Tour along with manufacturer support make
sure that everyone is a winner by handing out bags filled with ice
fishing goodies to every contestant. The fastest 3 Olympians were
awarded prizes and On Ice Olympic Medals for gold, silver and
bronze in each of the four age groups.
Winners in each bracket included:
Division 1: 8 years and younger
1. Blake Weimann, 8, Walker, MN, .56; 2. Alex Hobrick, 8,
Brainerd, MN,
1.31; 3. Jordyn Gifford, 8, Rochester, MN, 1.34; 4. Sogan
Sadue, 7,
Pillager, MN, 1.35; 5. Zachery Knoblauch, 8, Baxter, MN , 1.36
Division 2: 9-11
1. Alex Donabauer, 11, Avon, MN, .58; 2. Casey Hess, 11,
Paynesville, MN,
.59; 3. Steve Almond, 11, Parker, SD, 1.01; 4. Derik Walcheski,
11,
Gilman, MN, 1.04; 5. Adam Donabauer, 11, Avon, MN 1.06
Division 3: 12-14
1. Mathew Euteneuer, 14, Sauk Rapids, MN, .46; 2. John Eiden,
14,
McGregor, MN, .50; 3. Andrew Heald, 13, Watertown, WI, .51; 4.
Casey
Schmitz, 14, Baxter, MN, .51; 5. Charles Huju, 12, Deer River,
MN, .52
Division 4: 15 and older
1. Matt Nelson, 16, New Brighton, MN, .40, 2. Mike Reiner, 16,
Brainerd,
MN, .41; 3. David Reiner, 15, Brainerd, MN, .43; 4. Darrin
Oelfky, 16,
Frazee, MN, .44; 5. Derek Reinking, 15, Elk River, MN, .46
Prizes for the On Ice Olympics were provided by;
StrikeMaster Ice Augers, Coleman Outdoor Products, Berkley, Abu
Garcia, Northland Fishing Tackle, Lindy Tackle and On Ice Tour.
For more information about the sport
of ice fishing look to
www.onicetour.com
