Lake George Challenge - Mission Accomplished

Despite wonderful weather and six months of promo, we registered 34 boats to the Lake George Challenge (compared to 47 in 2009). I can only say the high price of gas, a sour economy, the tough fishery (Lake George is not as popular as Lake Champlain) and recent flood damage all contributed to the low turnout. Fortunately, to add to the $55.00 per boat going to the USO-MNY/WWP, we made approx $3,000 at the Saturday night auction. Our donation total will amount to approx $5,000. Bergen treasurer Frank Freguletti and I will be completing a final reconciliation spreadsheet and will process two checks (USO-MNY/WWP) shortly after 10-1-11.

Lake George Challenge Champions: Bernie Lindo and Kenny Plotts, Newton NJ – 5 bass at 14 lbs 3 oz ($1,000)
Lunker Largemouth: Scott Franck Sr and Scotty Franck II from Hartford NY– 5 lbs 11 oz ($1,000 Ticonderoga Walmart Lunker Award
Lunker Smallmouth: Dave Tierney and Nick Runo, Hewitt NJ – 3 lbs 1 oz ($1,000 Ticonderoga Walmart Lunker Award)
From Bergen:
4th Place Kris Lechman and Dave Lipari, 4 bass ($700) at 11-8
5th Place Nick Albano and Frank Freguletti, 5 bass ($640) at 11-6
The Lake George Challenge story, photos and results will soon be posted on our www.bergenbassmasters.com website.

Special thanks are in order for:

• Michael Symes and Lt Ben Bullington, National Guard liaisons with the FLW: The two gentlemen had six National Guard FLW pros enter the tourney
• Captain Sean Combs, who entered the tournament as a non boater with one of the National Guard pros
• Scott Franck, president of the Adirondack Bass Club, who with one’s days notice had Sgt. Brian Irwin fish with a National Guard Pro
• Wounded Warrior and Semper Fidelis member Kevin Ellicott (and brother John) who helped us throughout the auction and tournament
• Bill Taylor of the FLW who issued a check to help fund the Liberty Bells (Renee Freeman & Larissa Klinger)
• Robert Cartlidge and the TBF staff (Lauren, Tonya and Donnie) for providing the 1st class TBF trailer and for running the weigh-in
• Mike deAvila, LUNKERVILLE producer and Joe Sancho – LGC LUNKERVILLE TV episode date TBA
• Our sponsors (especially the Ticonderoga Walmart) and supporters who will highlighted in our full article
• Bergen USO/WWP volunteer committee of Bob Murphy, Frank Freguletti, John Williams, Doug Giachino and Bill Vella
• All of our Bergen Bassmasters who fished the Lake George Challenge
• Allison Kaupelis of the Ticonderoga Best Western Plus who gave us great pricing and service
• Debra Malaney and the Town of Ticonderoga
• Bass Pro Pete Gluszek who donated multiple items for our auction