Sportsperson Of The Year Dinner/Dance
Wrapup

On Sunday, November 10^th, JCAA held its annual Sportsperson-of-the-Year dinner/dance. It was a spectacular evening. This year’s honoree was Ray Marione of the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association. Our keynote speaker for the evening was Governor James McGreevey. After presenting Ray with a proclamation from the Governor’s office, and after having a few laughs with Ray, Governor McGreevey praised Tom Fote and the JCAA for its work on being the champion of the recreational fisherman. The Governor also vowed to fight the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission if it did not treat New Jersey recreational fishermen fairly when it announces its new weakfish management plan. He also spoke of the importance of recreational fishing to the state’s economy. He talked about how important the artificial reef program is and that he supports it. It is nice to meet a Governor who expounds on the importance of recreational angling. He also talked of the importance of protecting the environment and protecting the water supply. We wish to thank him for being our keynote speaker and the excitement he generated at our dinner.

Ray was also presented with the JCAA award for Sportsperson-of-the-Year and speakers expanded on why he was the perfect pick to receive the award. In addition to receiving this honor from JCAA and the Governor, he was also presented with a proclamation from the Township of Brick honoring him.

It was a great evening and the 209 attendees had a great time. There were many door prizes and a large raffle and silent auction. There was also a rather large 50-50. As usual, Gary Caputi did an excellent job as emcee.

I would like to thank John Fish for the beautiful carving of the striped bass he donated to JCAA.  We will be using that at a future raffle.  I would also like to thank all those who helped me put this event together this year.  Special thanks to Ed Cherry for all the help he gave me which made the job a lot easier

In addition to the Governor being present, also in attendance were Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of the DEP, Marc Matsil, Assistant Commissioner of the DEP for Natural Resources, and Marty McHugh, Assistant Director of Fish & Wildlife, who on January 1, 2003 becomes Director of Fish & Wildlife.  Rob Winkle, Tom McCloy and Bruce Freeman were also present from the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Our annual Sportsperson-of-the-Year dinner/dance is a major fundraiser for the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and this event would not be possible if it were not for the generosity of our sponsors. Year after year, event after event, we solicit prizes from our many sponsors. But for their generosity Jersey Coast would not be able to carry on its work. This was a difficult economic year for many businesses, but our sponsors, as usual, dug into their pockets and, as a result, we were able to give away as door prizes and auction off over $7,000 in donated gifts. I was especially moved by the generosity of our out-of-state sponsors. I would be remiss if I did not mention each and every sponsor because, as I say, JCAA would not exist without their generosity. The following is an alphabetical listing of all our sponsors who made this event happen, and, as chairman of the event, and on behalf of everyone at JCAA, I would like to thank each and everyone of them:

Abu Garcia, Aftco Bluewater, American Rod & Gun, Betty & Nicks Bait & Tackle, Big Marie-S II, Big Mohawk, Bimini Bay Outfitters, Canyon Gear, Capt. Cal II, Capt. Lou Grazioso, Carey Chen, Don Marantz, Field & Stream Magazine, Fins on Feathers Charters, Fisherman Magazine, Fisherman’s Den, Fisherman’s Headquarters, Florida Sportsman Magazine, Golden Eagle, Grizzi’s Forked River Bait & Tackle, Hi-Seas Industries, Hudson River Fisherman’s Assoc., Janice & Roger Staib, Jersey Pest Eliminators, Jersey Shore Florist, John Fish, Greg and Adrienne Kucharewski, LMN Enterprises, Lou Truppi, Lucky Craft, Inc., Luhr-Jensen & Sons, Mark Taylor, Miss Belmar, Navionics, Inc., New Jersey Angler Magazine, Newark Bait & Fly Casting Club, Night Hawk, Normark, Optimum Baits, Patricia Lynn Bay Excursions, Inc., Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co., Polar Eyes, Pure Fishing, Reel Seat, Regis Hair Stylists, Schneider’s Restaurant, Schuyler Tuna Fishing Club, Shakespeare, Shore Catch Guide Service, Skipper, Steve Krumm, The Thirsty Mallard, Tribophysics Division Mil-Comm Products Co., Inc.,  Water Gremlin Co, Wright & McGill Co.

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