Annual Phil Hathaway ALS Fishing Tournament set for Saturday, May 31st; 6 AM – 2 PM on Lake Vermilion

Once again; on Saturday, May 31st; fishermen of all ages will be able to participate in the annual Phil Hathaway ALS Fishing Tournament on Lake Vermilion.  Phil Hathaway, an electric power lineman from Westville, lost his life to ALS, known commonly as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  And the proceeds from this event will go to ALS United of the Vermilion and Champaign County areas, as well as upstate.

Rick Voyles, one of the tournament’s promoters, recalled the strong and positive attitude always shown by Phil Hathaway.

AUDIO: He was a very good family man; very generous, kind to everybody, hard worker.  He was very athletic.  This is a very depressing, debilitating disease that you have no control over.  And Phil was a lot stronger than what I would’ve been.  He always had a smile on his face; always had a joke coming out.

Phil Hathaway’s wife Theresa emphasized that still to this day, learning about ALS is in its early stages.

AUDIO:  This is no cure, after all this time there still is no cure.  They still don’t know what causes it.  It pretty random.  I mean, some people get the genetic kind; there’s just no advancement.

Theresa Hathaway says this event draws experienced fishermen, as well as those touched by ALS.

AUDIO: A lot of my friends, either their parents have passed; or they somebody that has passed from ALS.

It costs $25 per person to participate, and there are TOP THREE BIG FISH PRIZES for all species.  In fact, as organizer Tracy Fairchild explains, fishermen and women of all experience levels are welcome, by boat or from the bank; and if you’d like to compete by going after just one species, they can make that happen.

AUDIO: Like if you just want to fish for crappie, or catfish or bass, I’ve got a special formula; that you get the same credit for a certain size pan fish than you do for a catfish.  So it’s just anybody that wants to join.

You can call Tracy Fairchild at 217-304-0703 to sign up; or just show up at the Lake Vermilion Boat Launch for the 6 AM start; on Saturday, May 31st.