Theta Chi

You’re invited to play in the 2010 Craig Blass Memorial Golf Tournament at South Riding Golfer’s Club on Sept. 18, 2010.

The Craig Blass Memorial Scholarship was founded in November 2001 to remember Brother Craig Blass (Eta Kappa/James Madison 1996), one of the many people who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11th. Through this annual tournament and other activities, the Blass Memorial has raised over $175,000 to date. The event itinerary includes a long list of contests, performances and raffles.

Event Details:

DATE: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010

TIME: Check-in starts at 11 a.m.

LOCATION: South Riding Golf Club, South Riding, VA

Golf Ticket: $125 per player, includes: Green fees, golf cart, range balls, lunch, goody bag, hole-in-one contest and awards dinner/drinks. Cheater packages available for purchase during registration.

Event Day Schedule:

11 a.m. – Check-In | $1M shot and putting contest entry | Warm-up

11:15 a.m. – Collegiate Sealer’s Putting Contest begins for $10,000

Noon – Box lunches delivered

12:45 p.m. – Putting contest preliminary round ends and Instructions at golf carts

1 p.m. – Shotgun Start

Immediately Following Golf:

AutoScandia’s 1 Million Dollar Shot on 9th hole

Collegiate Sealer’s putting contest finale

Awards reception (food, drinks, awards, prizes and recognition)

The Blass Memorial would also like to recognize the following sponsors for supporting this event:

2010 Sponsors - http://blassmemorial.org/2010Sponsors.aspx

United AirTemp

Acumen Poker

AutoScandia

Collegiate Sealers

Mark Pollak of Ameriprise Financial

Important Links:

Event website - http://blassmemorial.org/golf.aspx

Registration page - http://blassmemorial.org/register.aspx

Blass Fact Sheet - http://blassmemorial.org/Documents/Blass%20Fact%20Sheet%202010.pdf

Blass Memorial Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/craigblass

To register, or for more information, please visit http://blassmemorial.org/golf.aspx.

Theta Chi is proud of the 62 brothers representing 35 chapters who were recently initiated into the Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Alpha, two prestigious Greek-letter honorary societies.
Since its founding at the University of Miami (FL) in 1959, the Order of Omega has grown to more than 500 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, inducted more than 200,000 members and awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to deserving undergraduate and graduate students. For more information about the Order of Omega, visit their website at www.orderofomega.org.
Gamma Sigma Alpha was founded in 1989 at the University of Southern California and currently has 212 chapters in North America. For more information about Gamma Sigma Alpha, visit their website at www.gammasigmaalpha.org.
For a complete list of Theta Chi inductees, please visit www.thetachi.org.
Congratulations, brothers!

Theta Chi Fraternity congratulated four outstanding chapters for their superb achievements and accomplishments this past academic year by presenting them with the Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence at this year’s 154th Anniversary Convention in Orlando, Florida. The 2009/10 recipients are:

Phi/North Dakota State

Zeta Beta/Adrian

Iota Beta/Missouri State

Iota Theta/Central Florida

Howard R. Alter, Jr. has been honored with every award in Theta Chi Fraternity. He was the first of two men in the history of Theta Chi Fraternity to serve as Executive Director, National President, and President of the National Board of Trustees (now The Norwich Housing Corporation). He served as Executive Director from 1968-1984, during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of American college fraternities. Brother Alter formally served Theta Chi for 54 years before his death in 2009, earning many accolades along the way. His lifelong and selfless work on behalf of Theta Chi Fraternity and the interfraternity world serves now, and will continue to serve, as an example for all to follow.

The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence was created in 1984 upon the occasion of Howard’s retirement as Executive Director by a group of former Field Representatives who served under Howard. The Alter Award was first presented in 1986 to chapters that met or exceeded the standard of excellence.

The Alter Award is the highest honor that the Fraternity can bestow upon a chapter. Consideration for the Alter Award is by application only. A committee of current and former Field Staff members reviews each application and selects winners. The Alter Award is presented annually and may only be given to active chapters.
Congratulations on a job well done, brothers!

During the 154th Anniversary Convention in Orlando, Florida, undergraduate and alumnus delegates of Theta Chi Fraternity met to elect the 2010-12 Grand Chapter. The 2010-12 Grand Chapter officers are:

National President Douglas M. Allen (Delta Beta/Georgia 1990)

National Vice President Joseph R. D’Amore, Jr. (Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg 1977)

National Secretary Richard I.L. Partridge (Theta/Massachusetts 1991)

National Treasurer Terry A. Johnson (Gamma Pi/Buffalo 1971)

National Marshal James D. Hardwick (Phi/North Dakota State 1987)

National Counselor Thomas G. Tinnin (Epsilon Phi/Central Missouri 1984)

National Chaplain Joseph S. Couch (Chi/Auburn 1996)

National Historian William W. Palmer (Beta Alpha/UCLA 1985)

Brothers Allen and D’Amore were both re-elected for second terms. Brother Allen was also re-elected as National President. Brother D’Amore previously served as National Secretary from 2008-2010 before being elected current National Vice President. Brothers Couch and Palmer are newly elected to the Board.

Theta Chi Fraternity also recognized and thanked brothers Brian K. Hall (Theta Eta/Sam Houston State 1988) and Ronald J. Ramos (Gamma Theta/San Diego State 1968), who recently completed their terms of office, for their service on the Grand Chapter.

The Grand Chapter is the administrative, executive and judicial head of the Fraternity, and is charged with interpreting and enforcing The Constitution and Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, developing the Fraternity’s strategic plan and working with the International Headquarters staff.

Congratulations, brothers!

The Norwich Housing Corporation is happy to announce that Brother Wesley Wicker will join the Board of Directors for Norwich starting Sept. 1, 2010. He will serve in the role of Counselor.

Brother Wicker will be replacing Brother Douglas Schemenauer, who has served voluntarily for 10 years on the Norwich Housing Corporation.

Brother Wicker earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia in 1990, a master’s degree in history from Georgia Southwestern State University in 1985, and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Alabama in 1981.

At the University of Alabama, Brother Wicker joined the Alpha Phi chapter in January 1976 and was later elected Chapter President. After graduation, he joined the Executive Office of Theta Chi Fraternity and worked as a Field Representative, now Leadership and Education Consultant, from 1979–1981.

While working on his doctorate at the University of Georgia from 1998–2000, Brother Wicker served as the chapter adviser for the Delta Beta chapter, and was also a Regional Counselor. He again served the Delta Beta chapter from 1998–2000 as House Corporation president.

From 1990–1995, Brother Wicker was the Director of Development for Theta Chi Fraternity’s Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc. followed by two years with the United Way of Central Indiana from 1995–1997. Wicker spent the next five years as the Vice President of Major Gifts for United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta (1997–2002). During this time period, Brother Wicker served on the Foundation Chapter from 1992–1995 and as President of the Foundation from 1996–2002.

Since September 2002, Brother Wicker has served as Vice President of Advancement for Kennesaw State University and was selected in January 2005 as the Executive Director of the KSU Foundation.

The Norwich Housing Corporation is headed by five Theta Chi alumnus volunteers who provide mortgage loans to assist Theta Chi house corporations with renovating old or building new fraternity houses. The Corporation’s headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For their outstanding national and local service, their personal efforts taken for the betterment of Theta Chi, and their continual unselfish interest, Theta Chi Fraternity is happy to announce the 2010 recipients of the Earl D. Rhodes Theta Chi for Life Award:

Carlton F. Bennett
Zeta Pi/Old Dominion University 1972

Allen F. Carter
Eta Omicron/Northwestern State University 1976

Michael Davidson
Tau/University of Florida 1969

Patrick T. O’Connor
Chi/Auburn University 1978

Ronald J. Ramos
Gamma Theta/San Diego State University 1968

Douglas Schemenauer
Epsilon Phi/University of Central Missouri 1989

The Theta Chi for Life Award was established and authorized by the Grand Chapter in 1975 and was first presented at the Fraternity’s 120th Anniversary Convention. This prestigious award is considered the second-highest honor for service to Theta Chi Fraternity.

Nominations for the Theta Chi for Life Award are evaluated by the National Advisory Committee, which is composed of all past National Presidents of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Recipients of the Theta Chi for Life Award will be recognized during a special awards presentation on July 2 at the 154th Anniversary Convention Alumni Awards Luncheon at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

The Theta Chi for Life Award is named in honor of Past National President Earl "Dusty" Rhodes, Delta/RPI 1921, (photo above) who was known as "Mr. Theta Chi." Rhodes was the first recipient of this award in 1976.

Congratulations, brothers!

Originally submitted by Richard RogersEckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. Area Director
On Tuesday, April 13 at the Brevard County [Florida] Schools Area IV Awards of Excellence Ceremony, Brother Michael King (Zeta Theta/Troy State 1977) was honored with an Award of Excellence for going above and beyond in his support to Riverview Elementary School and their students.
Mike King is the Hi-Five Early Intervention & Prevention Coordinator at Riverview Elementary School. The Hi-Five Program is a program of Eckerd Youth Alternatives, a private, non-profit organization serving youth and families since 1968. Eckerd has served over 100,000 youth and provide a full continuum of behavioral health and child welfare services. You can find more information about Eckerd and the programs it provides by clicking here.
His program responsibilities are to facilitate classroom presentations, Super Kid Clubs (Small Group Interventions), and Family Trainings. However, Mike has gone above and beyond his job requirements with several special projects in which he gathered support of his Super Kids, school staff, and community volunteers.
Mike and his Super Kids collected pop tops for the Ronald McDonald house, started a food drive for needy families, collected donations to put together care packages for troops in Afghanistan, and collected food and basic needs supplies for the people of Haiti. Mike also started an after-school Gardening Club at Riverview Elementary.
He applied for many small grants and got donations from local businesses to get the materials and supplies to start a large garden at Riverview Elementary. Students, teachers and community volunteers have all chipped in to volunteer after-school and on weekends to build the garden, complete with a sprinkler system which they put together themselves. Plant seeds and fertilizer were donated through local businesses. The gardening club also redid the landscaping in the front of the school. They received donations for mulch and plants and spent a weekend beautifying the front of the school.
The Super Kids are really enjoying the gardening club. They are spending their after-school and weekend time volunteering and helping their school. Mike is utilizing this extra time with the kids to teach them responsibility and citizenship. The youth are taking pride in their garden and their school and Mike and school administration have notice improvement in students’ behavior since participating in the club.
Congratulations, brother!

The following poem was published shortly after World War II. At least 342 of our Brothers made the ultimate sacrifice and became "Golden Stars" during that war. Theta Chi's have served and given the last full measure of their devotion in all of our Nation's conflicts since the Civil War, including the current Global War on Terrorism. Today, let us remember not only those Brothers, but all who have laid down their lives for their fellow man.

We Shall Remember

Golden Stars are blazing

High in the peaceful sky—

By them we’ll remember

The men who went to die,

The brave we knew as brothers

Of dear old Theta Chi

Their deeds shall be remembered,

Their virtues shall not fade.

They left quite ivied halls

And went forth unafraid

To earn eternal oaken wreaths

And Time’s bright accolade.

So on some quite evening,

Look upward to the sky

And see the gold stars shining

For those who went to die—

For Right, and Truth, and Freedom,

Brothers of Theta Chi.

--Roger Pecke Cleveland, Beta Mu/Middlebury

(Brother Cleveland published several books of poetry after WWII)

Norwich University has made a limited number of prints of Brother Edward Bancroft Williston available to Theta Chi members. (Shown at left.) Brother Williston, the first initiate after the Founders, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for “distinguished gallantry” during the Civil War.

Norwich University commissioned noted military artist Dale Gallon produce the print. The university is offering Theta Chi’s a number of the limited “Norwich University” prints that include the N.U. logo.

A very limited number of prints are available at the special price of $120 (includes shipping.) Brother Dan Fleetham Jr., a Norwich grad and member of the Theta Chi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity has worked out the arrangements with N.U. If you would like a copy of the print, please contact Brother Fleetham directly at dfleethamjr@netzero.com.

Proceeds from the sale of the pint support the Sullivan Museum and History Center at Norwich University. You can also view the print at the artist's website here.

Norwich University has made a limited number of prints of Brother Edward Bancroft Williston available to Theta Chi members. (Shown at left.) Brother Williston, the first initiate after the Founders, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for “distinguished gallantry” during the Civil War.

Norwich University commissioned noted military artist Dale Gallon produce he print. The university is offering Theta Chi’s a number of the limited “Norwich University” prints that include the N.U. logo.

A very limited number of prints are available at the special price of $120 (includes shipping.) Brother Dan Fleetham Jr., a Norwich grad and member of the Theta Chi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity has worked out the arrangements with N.U. If you would like a copy of the print, please contact Brother Fleetham directly at dfleethamjr@netzero.com.

Proceeds from the sale of the pint support the Sullivan Museum and History Center at Norwich University.

You can also view the print at the artist's website here.

Newberry College recently celebrated Greek Week with a Penny War fund raiser to benefit the American Red Cross. During the week-long activity, the Greeks set a new campus record and raised $1,420.97.

Three fraternities, Tau Kappa Epsilon or TKE, Kappa Alpha Order and Theta Chi and three sororities, Alpha Xi Delta, Kappa Delta, and Sigma Sigma Sigma participated in the Penny War. Sororities competed against sororities and fraternities battled against fraternities outside of the cafeteria at lunchtime. Each group decorated their own jar with their Greek letters and colors.
The group that collected the most pennies was Sigma Sigma Sigma. Theta Chi raised the most pennies of the three participating fraternities.
The presidents are John “Remy” Brennan of TKE; Kyle Edens of Kappa Alpha Order; Nate Nickel of Theta Chi; Courtney Crigger of Alpha Xi Delta; Kayla Knight of Kappa Delta and Cera Windham of Sigma.
Director of Student Activities, Melissa Rorer, is especially proud of the effort and enterprise of the students. “I’m very proud of the Greeks. They stepped up to make this one of the best Greek Weeks ever and raise money for a wonderful cause.”

INDIANAPOLIS (5/6/10) – The North‐American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is joining member fraternities and fellow Greek life advocates in promoting research findings from the University Learning Outcomes Assessment (UniLOA) by launching a new web site at http://nicindy.org/fraternityrights/. The independent research findings support the positive impact fraternity membership has on student growth and performance.

Based upon the UniLOA research, the NIC’s case for open recruitment and for protecting the rights of freedom of association has new meaning and relevance. “Often, arguments both for and against the fraternity experience focus on personal experience and anecdotal information,” said Peter D. Smithhisler, NIC President and CEO. “The UniLOA research, conducted by The Center for Learning Outcomes Assessment, places compelling, objective data into the conversation.”

The UniLOA research focused on the seven areas of behavior regarded as “most critical” by employers, academics, managers, and researchers. Those areas are critical thinking, self‐awareness, communication, diversity, citizenship, membership and leadership, and relationships. The data clearly show that fraternity men scored higher, and experienced higher net gains in growth over their academic lifespan, than the national mean of all students in each of the seven areas measured.

Common themes from the extensive research support the NIC’s opposition to deferred recruitment and address many ongoing points of contention between NIC‐member fraternities and those who discount the importance and positive impact of fraternity life on both students and campus communities.

“NIC Standards are clear about the fraternity community’s strong support for open, year‐round recruitment of members,” Smithhisler said. “The 73 NIC‐member fraternities understand that different communities have different agendas, but to delay or deny a student the opportunity to join a fraternity when he wants to violates his Constitutional rights to freedom of association. Being able to join any group, when we want to join it, is a freedom we enjoy; it’s unfortunate that this sometimes needs to be highlighted, and it’s good to have independent research that supports the broader benefits of fraternal association. It is not a surprise to fraternity alumni, or to current fraternity chapter leaders on more than 800 U.S. campuses, that joining, participating in and leading a fraternity chapter provides genuine growth in members’ critical thinking, selfawareness, communication, diversity‐appreciation, citizenship, followership, leadership, and relationship building skills.”

The new site provides NIC members with an easier way to educate their own members about the importance and benefits of open, year‐round recruitment, as well as a relevant and effective vehicle to accomplish that with today’s college men. The site also allows Greek advisors – both local alumni who work with chapters, as well as inter/national headquarters staff – to promote the open recruitment Standard to staff at colleges and universities with fraternity chapters.

The new site was created to promote the independent UniLOA research results. “As with the NICStandards.com site, the goal is to create a destination that will provide education on the Standards in a language all can understand,” Smithhisler said. “The NIC membership already has agreed that the Standards outline how we, as a fraternal community, will do business moving forward.”

The NIC Standards were created to elevate the fraternity experience through partnership between fraternities and campus communities. Created by the member fraternities of the NIC, the Standards were designed to compel fraternities to be who they say they are.

Founded in 1909, the NIC, through advocacy, collaboration and education, works to ensure that fraternities can operate in an environment conducive to their success.

Theta Chi brother and guitar-wielding stand up Evan Wecksell captures an energized set list of comedy melodies on his debut album LOL. From crooning about such topics as Internet addiction and cougars, to pining after his "Inflatable Woman" and aspiring to be a male stripper, even dedicating songs to David Hasselhoff and Alex Rodriguez, LOL combines comedic storytelling and anthemic choruses to hit every absurd comedy bone in your body.

The CD contains ten studio tracks, five live tracks and a remix of "Platonic Male Companion," detailing Wecksell's search for "bromance."

You can pick up the album on i-Tunes or Amazon.

Brother Wecksell has played on hundreds of college campuses around the county and often does shows for Theta Chi chapters. He has appeared on Comedy Central and VH1; "Campus Activities" magazine named him the "Hot Comedian of 2009." Check out his Facebook fan page here.

Theta Chi brother and guitar-wielding stand up Evan Wecksell captures an energized set list of comedy melodies on his debut album LOL. From crooning about such topics as Internet addiction and cougars, to pining after his "Inflatable Woman" and aspiring to be a male stripper, even dedicating songs to David Hasselhoff and Alex Rodriguez, LOL combines comedic storytelling and anthemic choruses to hit every absurd comedy bone in your body.

The CD contains ten studio tracks, five live tracks and a remix of "Platonic Male Companion," detailing Wecksell's search for "bromance."

You can pick up the album on i-Tunes or Amazon.

Brother Wecksell has played on hundreds of college campuses around the county and often does shows for Theta Chi chapters. He has appeared on Comedy Central and VH1; "Campus Activities" magazine named him the "Hot Comedian of 2009." Check out his Facebook fan page here.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

April 28, 2010: Theta Chi Fraternity Executive Director Dale Taylor (Alpha Phi / University of Alabama ’69) has announced his plans to retire from the International Headquarters Staff effective August 31, 2010. He will vacate the Executive Director position on April 30 and will remain on staff through the summer to facilitate a smooth executive transition.

Since his appointment as Executive Director in 2007, Brother Taylor has worked tirelessly to improve the operations of the International Headquarters. His commitment to fraternity growth, undergraduate academic performance, and alumni involvement are evidence by increased undergraduate membership, improved scholarship programming, and a larger volunteer base. Brother Taylor’s friendly demeanor and genuine commitment to improving every member’s Theta Chi experience have been a hallmark of his time on staff.

Brother Taylor brought a great deal of Fraternity experience to the International Headquarters Staff. He has previously served on the Grand Chapter, Norwich Housing Corporation, and Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc. He is one of only two men in Theta Chi history to have served as National President in three different decades. In addition to his involvement on the National level, Brother Taylor served as the long-time Chapter Advisor for his own chapter at the University of Alabama. He is the recipient of Theta Chi’s Reginald E.F. Colley Memorial Trophy, the Earl D. Rhodes Theta Chi for Life Award, and The Distinguished Service Award.

Theta Chi Fraternity expresses its sincere gratitude for Brother Dale Taylor’s leadership and wishes him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

The Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity has appointed Michael Mayer (Epsilon Phi / University of Central Missouri ’04) to succeed Brother Taylor as Executive Director effective May 1, 2010. Brother Mayer currently serves as Associate Executive Director at the International Headquarters, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to joining the staff in his current role, he was employed by Pennington & Company as a Capital Campaign Consultant. During the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 academic years, he served the fraternity as a Leadership and Education Consultant, specializing in expansion.

Brother Mayer has been a volunteer on both the local and regional level. He is the 2004 recipient of Theta Chi’s Reginald E.F. Colley Memorial Trophy and a 2005 recipient of the North American Interfraternity Conference’s Award of Distinction.

Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a successful men’s collegiate fraternity with over 160,000 initiated members and is a leader in the fraternal movement. Throughout its 154+ year history, it has developed lasting relationships with the colleges and universities it serves. Leadership development, personal development, and scholarship are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s success.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Contact:

Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters

3330 Founders Road

Indianapolis, IN 46268-1333

Phone: (317) 824-1881

FAX: (317) 824-1908

E-Mail: ihq@thetachi.org

The Beta Lambda Chapter at the University of Akron took home the first place trophy for ‘Best Combined Act’ at this year’s Songfest competition on Sunday, April 11. The men of Beta Lambda joined together with the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma to create a rich tale about an average young guy who transforms into the ideal man, thereby winning the lady of his dreams.

This year’s Songfest theme was ‘Bringin’ Back the 90s’ and included competition from five of Akron’s sororities and seven of Akron’s fraternities. The Beta Lambda Chapter and Kappa Kappa Gamma performed to the songs ‘We Like to Party’ by the Vengaboys, ‘Pretty Fly (for a white guy)’ by the Offspring, ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC, and ‘Tearin’ Up My Heart’ by NSYNC.

In order to prepare for the act, Brother Jeff Matheny and Abbey Gaugher worked over the month of March to rigorously choreograph and train the dance team for six intense minutes on-stage. This year's win represents the first time since 2000 in which the Beta Lambda chapter has placed in Akron’s annual Songfest, and exemplifies the strong dedication and work which the chapter has been putting into re-invigorating their commitment to Theta Chi.

Thanks to Brother Jon-Michael Durkin for passing along this article.

Brother Jake Gipson of Tau Chapter/Florida (on left in photo) along with friend Matt Wercinski won first place at the the first-ever National Guard FLW College Fishing National Championship on Monday, April 12th.

For their efforts, Gipson and Wercinski walked away with a $100,000 total prize package – $50,000 for their university, $25,000 for their bass club and a brand new, fully rigged Ranger 177TR bass boat wrapped in their school colors.

The three-day tournament took place in Knoxville, Tenn., on Fort Loudoun Lake and featured the top 25 teams in the country. Gipson and Wercinski's recorded a three-day stringer weighing 29 pounds, 10 ounces.

National Guard FLW College Fishing is the country's largest tournament circuit for college bass clubs, where clubs compete for lucrative awards plus a chance to fish against the luminaries of the sport in the Forrest Wood Cup.

You can read more at the National Guard FLW College Fishing website.

(Photo by Gary Mortenson)