The first annual “Fish to Reel in the Cure” tournament was a huge success, raising over $20,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
The event, which took place Oct. 1-3 at Long Branch Lakes in Tennessee, was held in honor of Darlington’s very own Jordan Muschamp (’13), who is currently battling acute myelogenous leukemia. Unfortunately, Muschamp was unable to attend the event because he was undergoing treatments, but several members of his family were there in his place.
“We were so pleased to have Jordan’s family members with us for the event in his absence,” said Andy Cash (’87), one of the event’s key organizers. “We were all fishing for Jordan that day. Every cast made was done so in the hope that there will soon be a cure for cancer.”
Friday evening’s opening ceremonies featured famed fisherman Bill Dance as master of ceremonies. Dance was also part of Saturday’s all-day fishing tournament.
“We have two fully stocked Bill Dance Signature Lakes up here, and we wanted to use this beautiful setting to benefit a great cause,” Cash said. “I was so pleased to see all the Darlington families in attendance. It was a great time for all! I want to thank the Brewster, Cordell, Gaines, Gammon, Schrum and Shadday families for helping sponsor this wonderful event as well as all the members of our school community who could not be there but still sent generous donations in honor of Jordan.”
Prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the tournament. Local husband and wife team David and Casey Sharpe won “largest fish” with their 4 lb., 8 oz. bass. They were awarded a day of fishing with Bill Dance on his private lakes. Other awards went to Dick Popham for “oldest fisherman” and Chandler Turner for “youngest fisherman.”
“Several of our Darlington families came very close to winning largest fish,” Cash said. “Wright, Wayne (’13) and Winston (’16) Gammon caught a 3 lb., 12 oz. fish to earn second place, and Forest and Franklin (’13) Schrum came in third with a 3 lb., 10 oz. fish.”
Because Muschamp was unable to be there this year, the Cash family has arranged for him and a friend to spend a weekend fishing with Dance whenever he is feeling better.
“It was such a great weekend and I only hope that Jordan will be able to join us next year,” Cash said. “We are already looking forward to growing it and raising even more money for cancer research. If cancer has touched your life or the life of someone you know, we hope you will join us next fall for the second annual ‘Fish to Reel in the Cure.’”
If you were unable to attend but would like to show support by making a tax-deductible donation in honor of Jordan, you may still do so online at www.lls.org/reel.
