Pictured is the Grand Prize winner, Matthew Keller, with his catfish that weighed in at 15.53 pounds. (Photos provided by Heather Gunther)
On June 3 and 4, the Joseph Kinney Memorial All Night Catfish Derby took place at Hickories Park in Owego. The derby, according to organizers, was a huge success. The event is hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, and is now in its 12th year.
Organizers stated that even though all of the “experts” said the river was to high and too fast to hold a sinker on the bottom, they had the highest overall weight tally in the 12 years of hosting the tournament. The 11th and 12th place weight was 10.90 pounds.
Winners included, in the adult division, Grand Prize winner Matthew Keller (15.53 pounds), first place winner Michael Hazen (13.63 pounds), second place winner Branden Bushner (13.41 pounds), third place winner Albert Bodolus (12.96 pounds), fourth place winner Edward Lulock (12.54 pounds), fifth place winner Thomas Cole (11.50 pounds), sixth place winner Gregory Golovko (11.42 pounds), seventh place winner Matthew Blazey (11.22 pounds), eighth place winner Claude Gave (11.20 pounds), ninth place winner Mary Bodolus (11.11 pounds), 10th place winner Cody Florance (11.05 pounds), 11th place winner Roy Rogers III (10.90 pounds), and 12th place winner Rob Slezak (10.90 pounds).
In the youth division, Bryce Williams took first place (10.40 pounds), second place went to Ryan Denton (10.06 pounds), and third place went to William Costello (8.45 pounds).
The Catfish Derby would like to thank their sponsors that made the event possible this year. They include the VFW Post 1371 in Owego, Valu Home Center of Owego, Tioga Tool out of Endicott, Tioga Theater, Big Dipper Ice Cream, Bears Bait and Tackle Shop in Lansing, Scott Smith & Sons, Elco Graphics – Dave Cole out of Berkshire, Craig Jochum Logging, Got Mulch, Whitetail Bar and Grill, Agway in Athens, Thompson’s Grocery, Dad’s Ice Cream, Coverall Tents, Harris’ Diner, Mario’s Pizza, Metro’s, Tioga Downs, Warner’s Gas, Catatonk Golf Club Inc., The Community Shop, Hollenbeck’s Feed and Coal in Catatonk, Hollenbeck’s Suresave of Newark Valley, R&C Automotive, the Red Roof Inn, the Waverly Sportsman’s Club, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, River Rock Diner, Terry Rudin, the Blue Dolphin Restaurant, Jodi’s Ultimate Creations in Apalachin, Big Belly’s Deli, Donoli’s Restaurant, Smart Choice Tobacco in Little Meadows, Martin Plumbing and Heating, John Van Denburg of Cortland, the Spinner Family of Waverly, Chuckster’s, NAPA Auto Parts of Owego, and Rick’s Service Center.
Be the first to comment on "Catfish Derby announces winners"