YSU bass fishing club pursues funds for a new boat

July 4, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

During Youngstown State University’s recently completed academic year, 193 organizations and 13 club sports were registered and operating out of the Student Activities and Campus Recreation offices.

The Bass Fishing Club, in just its third year of existence, is one group that has garnered national attention.

The club is led by non-traditional student Chuck Cremeans, a special education major from Newton Falls. His original dream was to bring together students with similar fishing interests.

One national championship appearance, a host of top tournament finishes and three academic years later, he’s close to achieving his ultimate goal of assembling a competitive group that can contend annually for national honors.

“We started out with two students that first year and have grown to include some of the school’s most dedicated students,” Cremeans said. “Finishing eighth overall at the FLW College Fishing National Championship that first year, which was televised on [NBCSN] was a huge boost and really helped in getting the word out about our club.

“The last three years, however, have been up and down as we have gained sponsors and lost others, yet must continually fund-raise in order to keep our heads above water, so to speak.”

Along with Cremeans, who also serves as president, the club includes co-founder and vice-president, Zach Alcorn; Stan Miketa; Randy Campana; and Jeff Grope.

Last year, the club placed in the top 20 in two tournaments and finished fifth overall at the finals. This season, Cremeans and Miketa finished 24th out of 47 teams entered at the Smith Mountain Lake (Virginia) Invitational.

Joe Conroy, coordinator of intramural and club sports, called the club one of the most solid organizationally that he oversees.

“They’ve been a great addition to our sports club community and as students begin their college careers, they know that a club for the fishing enthusiast now exists,” Conroy said. “As their group continues to grow, they continue to work hard with their fund-raising efforts in order to help offset the cost of tournaments and other expenses.

“While our student government helps with entry fees, the rest must be raised or members must pay what remains out of their own pockets,” Conroy said. “They’ve represented YSU in a first-class manner at all competitions.”

An additional boat is their immediate need, which is where the group is currently concentrating its fund-raising efforts.

“We’re not looking for a brand new $50,000 Ranger, but do need approximately $5,000 in order to purchase another boat that we can take to tournaments and our other competitions,” Cremeans said.

As treasurer, Miketa said it is imperative the club operate in the black.

“The monies raised barely cover expenses, which is why we hold weekly tournaments every Tuesday at Lake Milton and have entertained the thought of other fund-raising ideas, including a golf tournament next year,” Miketa said. “We have a fund-raiser coming up on July 22 at El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. We’ll be holding a Chinese Auction and 50/50 raffle. We’ll also receive a percentage from each customer’s bill that attends on our behalf.”

Carrie Anderson, assistant director of student activities, notes that the club is one of the hardest-working units, despite nominal membership.

“By competing and ultimately placing in various regional and national competitions, this club remains a model for the many opportunities that a club sport can provide to students,” Anderson said. “Their members have a true love for fishing and continually work hard in order to keep the organization active and engaged with campus life.”

Two tournaments remain with the hopes of qualifying for regional competition and ultimately, a return trip to nationals.

They will be at Indian Lake near Toledo on July 11 and then will compete at Chautauqua Lake in New York on Aug. 1.

“If we do well in these final two events then we will qualify for regionals, which will be held Sept. 11-12 in Chesapeake, Md,” Cremeans said. “National finalists will be announced in late October or early November and it is our hope to get back to the championship.”

Further information about the club may be obtained by calling 330-727-0449.