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Dear Fisherman:
We are proud to announce that the inaugural PFC Geoffrey Morris Memorial Governors Cup Fishing Invitational held on June, 17th & 18th 2005 at Waukegan Harbor in Waukegan, Illinois was a wonderful success. The Tournament raised over $5,000 for the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. This fund was drafted by Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, the “Illinois Military Family Relief Act” was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich the early part of 2004. Its purpose is to assist the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists who face economic hardship when the military serviceman or servicewoman is on active duty.
PFC Geoffrey Morris signed up for the US Marine Corps in September 2002 during his senior year at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, IL. Geoff shipped off tboot camp in San Diego, CA June 2003. Just Nineteen Geoff was deployed to IRAQon 15 February and was killed in action on 04 April 2004 during the battle for Fallujah. Geoffrey believed strongly in the values this country stands for, and willingly stood in harms way to defend it. He joined the Marine Corps for three reasons; One to defend the freedoms of this Country, Two, to help those unable to help themselves, Three, because “the Marines are the Best of the Best, Dad, and I wouldn’t want to be part of anything less!”
The tournament concluded at a Ceremony held Saturday afternoon when Lt. Governor Pat Quinn presented the Top Points winner with a trophy, and First Place winnings.
2005 Winners:
1st Place and $15,000 – Best Chance II / Captain Dave Engel – Saugatuck, MI
2nd Place and $9,000 – High C’s / Captain Shawn Keulen – Winthrop Harbor, IL
3rd Place and $6,000 – Dr’s Orders / Captain Steve Goulette – Waukegan, IL
Best Chance II’s name and the total points acquired has been engraved on the trophy to be held by the City of Waukegan and updated yearly with the names of future winners.
Until further notice First thru Third place finishers are guaranteed the purses of $15,000.00, $9,000 and $6,000 respectively. The seven remaining top finishers will split the remaining purse. Attached schedule illustrates the payouts assuming 100 boats participate. Additional prizes will be awarded to largest fish of each species each day of the tournament.
2006 Tournament fee will remain unchanged from 2005’s contest amount, and the full payment of $550.00 must be received in the Waukegan Port Authority office by May 30th 2006. We will register boats – on a “First-Paid, First Entered” basis giving priority to Participating boats from the previous year – and then open up the field to other contestants. The entry fee will include a boat slip for two nights, breakfast and beverages, plus lots of fun, fishing and the wonderful feeling that your participation is helping Illinois families make it through the difficult time while their loved ones serve overseas in our Military
… some of which have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom and liberties we enjoy today.
Please contact Kirk S. Morris at 847-263-4188 or KSMCOIL@aol.com with any questions.
I want to thank you in advance for your commitment to this event and the Illinois residents that have served in harms way on behalf of all of us.
Sincerely,
Kirk S. Morris
Chairman
CASH PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED PER RULE ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:
| 1st | Guaranteed Purse | $15,000 |
| 2nd | Guaranteed Purse | $9,000 |
| 3rd | Guaranteed Purse | $6,000 |
| 4th | 4% purse | $1,820 (with 100 boats) |
| 5th | 3.5% of purse | $1,590 (with 100 boats) |
| 6th | 3% of purse | $ 1,360 (with 100 boats) |
| 7th | 2.5% of purse | $ 1,137 (with 100 boats) |
| 8th | 2% of purse | $ 910 (with 100 boats) |
| 9th | 1.5% of purse | $ 680 (with 100 boats) |
| 10th | 1.3% of purse | $ 590 (with 100 boats) |
TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
Kirk
S. Morris
Chairman
Marty Smith III - Commandant Marine
Corps League #801 Lake County
Lt. Col
Fritz Mielke –
U. S. Marine Corps
Brian O'Dell
Waukegan Port Authority
Dirk
Beverage - We Do Care;
Heroes
of Freedom Festival Coordinator
Chris
Disher –
Flex Fuel, US
Gary McDermott - Heroes of
Freedom Racing Team
Rob Grinton - Weigh Station
Eleanor
Flavin
Promotions and Marketing
HONORARY
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Rod Blagojevich - Governor
Pat Quinn - Lt. Governor
Richard H. Hyde – Mayor
City of Waukegan
Cathy Ryg – State Representative
Terry Link – State Senator
ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
Jean Silwa -
Salmon Unlimited, IL
Craig Bender - Salmon Unlimited, WI
Bobby Ferguson -
Navy League
US
Coast Guard Auxiliary
David
Motley –
Waukegan
Public
Information
Capt.
Dan Keating
“The
Salmon Professor”
Blue Horizon Sport
Fishing