Summer Fun

Fishing Tournament reels in dollars for student scholarships

By Martin Haro ’05

Bianca Anghel is already anticipating next summer’s 9th Annual FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament. A Legacy Scholarship ($1,000) recipient this year, the senior special education student – she is graduating this year – looks forward to participating in the event as an alumna in 2011.

“I’m so grateful for this scholarship,” she said. “It’s going to help me continue my education and get my degree.” She is following in the footsteps of her mother, Jackie Anghel-Novick, a 2004 graduate in public administration.

“I’m extremely proud of Bianca,” Anghel-Novick said. “I don’t know what else to say other than she makes me very proud. And, Go FIU!”

“I wish I had brought my dad,” Bianca added, looking ahead to next year. “Regardless of where I am next year, we’ll be here again.”

Anghel was among the 13 students who received more than $15,000 in Panther Pride ($750) and Legacy scholarships at the June 19 event, held at Monty’s on South Beach. Also receiving scholarships from the Alumni Association, in front of approximately 200 members of the FIU community, were Kevin Gonzalez, Doris Cesar, Summia Chaudry, Daniela Gonzalez, Tara Jafarmadar, Jacky Negret, Giselle Perez, Melissa Pierro, Madison Rodriguez and Melissa Rodriguez. Esperance Ibuka and Alina Quintana were unable to attend.

The fishing tournament is one of the Alumni Association’s most fun traditions. The annual event has raised more than $50,000 for student scholarships since its inception. In 2011, $15,000 will be awarded – an amount that includes the winnings Team Ocean Bank donated back to FIU.

Thirty-five boats registered for the tournament this year and, as usual, attendees tried their luck in a raffle featuring prizes such as airline tickets, fishing equipment and FIU gear.

FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg joined in on the afternoon fun with his wife Rosalie. He gave a shout-out to baseball coach Henry “Turtle” Thomas, his team and Garrett Wittels for his remarkable 56-game hitting streak. Together with football coach Mario Cristobal, the president also got alumni excited for the upcoming football season.

“Alumni’s support has been awesome,” Cristobal said. “Come Sept. 11 we need to see you out at FIU Stadium. Baseball has set the bar high. Championships are going to start rolling in. Bring all that energy, bring all that noise. Let’s make history.”

This year’s FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament winners were:

Most Aggregate Dolphin Weight: Team FIU Panther Kings ($2,500 prize and trophy)

Largest Dolphin: Team G&R Marine ($1,000 and large fishing trophy)

Ladies Catch Largest Dolphin: Team Reel Hard ($500 and trophy)

Largest Fun Fish: Team Zureel ($250)

Junior Catch Largest Dolphin: Team FIU Panther Kings ($100 gift certificate to Dave & Busters and trophy)

2nd Place Most Aggregate Dolphin Weight: Team Ocean Bank ($500)

2nd Place Largest Dolphin: Team Fowler White Burnett ($250)

2nd Place Junior: Team Reel Hard ($50 gift certificate to Dave & Busters).