Ava Team Wins State Fishing Tournament

The first-ever high school bass tournament, sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), was held last weekend out of Long Creek Marina on Table Rock Lake, and the Ava High School team of Colten Levan (left) and Cody Huff (at right above) took first place. A total of 14 schools and 58 teams were entered in the inaugural event. Republic, which entered multiple teams in the tournament, was the top school and received a $5,000 scholarship. The Ava team was accompanied by Rex Sawyer, Ava High School athletic director, and Rick Burtchett, boat operator. Bass Pro Shops is a major sponsor of the MSHSAA bass fishing program.