Darren Schmoke age 16, of Allport (Clearfield County) is one of 7 youth that
recently qualified for the USA Worlds Fly Fishing Team. The qualifier was
held on State College area streams on July 25 and 26th. The fly fishers
were moderated while fly-fishing for trout while the judges checked on their
techniques and knowledge of sport. The contestants chosen will represent
the USA at the 6th Annual FIPS Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championship
held for the first time in the United States on August 3-10, 2007 in State
College, PA.
An Opening Ceremony and Olympic Style Procession will kicked off the event
on Friday, August 3, 2007 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park beginning at
5:00 p.m Representatives and teams from Pennsylvania, Czech Republic,
England, France, Ireland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Canada will march
from the Centre County/Penn State Visitor Center to Medlar Field where they
will be welcomed and recognized by both local and state dignitaries.
The Fly Fishing Championship Tournament will be held on August 6th, 7th and
8th in four locations: Spring Creek, Little Juniata River, Fishing Creek and
Lake Perez. Closing Ceremonies will be held on August 9th.
Darren Schmoke is a senior at West Branch Area High School, an Electrical
Occupations student at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center,
and is employed by Clearfield Electric. He is the son of John and Karen
Schmoke of Allport.
Team members:
Adam Picketts –Reedsville, PA
Heather Seitz– Pittsburgh, PA
Wes Congdon– Forest City, PA
Kyle Winey– Mifflintown, PA
Darren Schmoke– Allport, PA
Matt Kowalchuk– Montoursville, PA
Peter Sheetz– Mount Joy, PA