The Amherst Fishing Team looks ready to roll in its 3rd official year of existence. The team consists of roughly 50-plus students and staff with varying levels of experience and is funded through a variety of corporate and local sponsors and benefactors.
The team is coming off a successful season, notably winning a tournament last year at Waupaca on the famous Chains O’ Lakes.
The fishing team has enjoyed superior leadership this past year, according to team coach and advisor Jason Pickering. Senior Ty Schevlan serves in his second year as president. Other office holders include Logan Glodowski, Luke Hoffman, and Ethan Peskie. In the first year of existence the president was Jacob Gibbs “Gibby”. Another key figure in founding the club was Talon Armatoski.
“I think it provides an opportunity to students to do something outside of school who enjoy the great outdoors,” said Pickering. “When it is just a couple people we are competitive and all in, when it is the whole club we just have fun and hang out.”
What’s the value of teaching kids the joys of ice fishing? “The value of teaching kids ice fishing is that anytime you can get them off the couch and get them outdoors is a good day. To be honest, I don’t really care for ice fishing. I just really started it because of the kids and they enjoy it. The conservation club approached me and then from there I was all in,” added Pickering.
Students share a variety of reasons for joining the team. “I joined the fishing team because fishing interests me and I felt it’s a good cause to get other kids into it as well. The joy of fishing with a big group is we can really spread out and catch some fish and we can also bounce off our ideas from one another,” said senior Karter Konkol.
“The greatest thing about the fishing club, in my opinion, is the club’s relationship with private companies and individuals who show their support of the kids through very generous donations. It’s a credit to Mr, Pickering that this club is self-sustaining,” said assistant ice fishing coach William Van Lannen.
“In just two years, this club has witnessed a number of impressive achievements, including a number of high finishes at a variety of tournaments. With almost 60 or so members, this club is a shining example of leadership, productivity, and flat out FUN!” added Van Lannen
