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A forecast of rain did not deter 75 anglers from
participating in the inaugural Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry
Fishing Tournament in April in Everglades National Park.
Pictured above are (l-r) Scott Deel of Maverick Boats, Capt. Dave
Sutton and Bo Boulanger of Homestead Hospital following the
presentation of awards at the Lucerne Fishing Tournament Banquet
Clear weather prevailed and 35 boats with anglers from
as far away as Pennsylvania and New Jersey took part in the
catch-and-release tournament that paid tribute to a dear friend of
Homestead and Florida City, the late fishing enthusiast Herman
Lucerne.
Lucerne, former Florida City mayor and long-time South
Dade resident, suffered a heart attack in 1992 during Hurricane Andrew
while trying to repair his home. He was an avid outdoorsman and
fishing guide who knew the remote backcountry areas as well as anyone.
He fished with the great Joe DiMaggio, Jimmy Hoffa, John Pennekamp,
Dante Fascell and many other well-known figures. He also was respected
for his generosity, especially to children.
"I fished with Herman for over 18 years and I
knew his passion for the sport of fishing and his love for young
people," said dentist Lloyd Wruble, who chaired the tournament.
"I wanted to be a part of this tournament because it was named
for my dear friend Herman, and because the proceeds will benefit the
children's services at Homestead Hospital."
Dr. Wruble is confident, as are most of the
participants, in the future success of the tournament.
"The Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry
Tournament will be an annual event, just as we had hoped," he
said. "I received calls every day from anglers who enjoyed the
tournament and plan to spread the word. We already have confirmation
for a Maverick boat and an engine from Yamaha for the April 2001
competition."
"As an avid angler, the tournament was a dream
come true for me," said Bo Boulanger, CEO of Homestead Hospital.
"The committee planned a fun, first-class fishing event that
honored Herman Lucerne. Best of all, the money raised over the years
will allow the hospital to continue to provide state-of-the-art care
to our growing pediatric population."
The volunteer committee members who helped Dr. Wruble
organize the event are Cliff Knude, Ron Baker, Dr. Frank Spinelli, Rae
Wruble, Dan Howard, Paul Soule, Sam Porco, and captains Rick Murphy
and Rob Fordyce.
The overall championship team, twin brothers Greg and
Brian Watts from Lakeland, took home the grand prize -- a 16 foot
Maverick boat with a 70 hp Yamaha. They caught and released 147.50
inches of eligible fish, more than any other team.
Other awards went to Randy Summerland, top male
angler; Victoria Horn, top female angler; Alan Cockerham, top junior
angler; Katie Hoog, second place junior angler; Eric Herstedt, top
fishing guide; Dr. Ed Gelber, largest tarpon; Mike Haimes, largest
snook; Shane Van De Mark, largest redfish; Randy Summerlin, largest
trout; Alan Cockerham, largest snapper; Mark Cockerham, largest
bonefish; and Mary Philcox, largest bass.
The tournament was sponsored by the Homestead Hospital
Foundation, Maverick Manufacturing and Yamaha Outboards. The Mead
Family Foundation sponsored the Junior Angler competition.
The second annual Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry
Fishing Competition will be held in April of 2001. Discount
accommodations will be available at the Flamingo Lodge and Outpost.
For more information call the Homestead Hospital at 305-242-3535 or go
to the website at www.baptisthealth.net.
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