Lake Rathbun Tournament Cancelled; Teams Given Options
By Steve Weisman
I.O.W.A. Publicity Director
With strong winds, intense storms and lightning predicted throughout the day, the third qualifier on the I.O.W.A. Team Walleye Tournament Trail scheduled for Lake Rathbun on Sunday had to be canceled.
According to Dean Higgins, I.O.W.A. Tournament Director, the call had to be made. “We moved the take-off back until 8 a.m., but the radar showed intense storms all around us. I met with an advisory committee of the teams, and we just decided it was best not to take the risk.”
Several veteran anglers, including David Murray from Carlisle and David Lampe from Britt, spoke in support of the decision. Murray said, “Safety comes first. We’re there to fish another day.” While Lampe said, “I know it was difficult for Dean, but there is no doubt that safety comes first.”
According to Higgins scheduling simply does not allow an opportunity to reschedule. So, Higgins gave several options for the teams. First, any teams that wanted their entry fee back received a full refund. “We want to be as fair as possible,” said Higgins.
Other options include forwarding their Lake Rathbun entry fee to the upcoming May 27 tournament at Clear Lake or the Spirit Lake tournament on September 16.
“We also gave the option of giving the teams a Saturday Fun Tournament on September 15 on Spirit Lake with a 100 percent payback,” noted Higgins. All trophies and awards scheduled for the Lake Rathbun tournament will be given away at the I.O.W.A. Saturday Fun Tournament.
This cancellation does change the way teams will qualify for the October 13-14 State Championship. To be eligible, teams must now fish three of the four tournaments, instead of the original four out of five. For teams that fish all four tournaments, they can throw out their worst finish.
Next up on the I.O.W.A. Team Walleye Tournament Trail is the FCIS “The Angler’s Choice” Clear Lake tournament on Sunday, May 27.
All of the latest news on the I.O.W.A. circuit can be found at the I.O.W.A. website (www.walleyepromotions.com). Anglers interested in learning more about the I.O.W.A circuit can call (515) 571-1085 or they can email the I.O.W.A. staff at [email protected].
Corporate sponsors for the 2007 I.O.W.A Team Walleye Tournament Trail include Lund, Mercury Outboards, ShoreLand’r Trailers, Algona Marine and Sport, MinnKota, Humminbird, Berkley, Cabela’s, Mack’s Lure, Smooth Move Seat Mounts, StowMaster, Hooters and Farm & City Insurance Services of Forest City.