Henry Stockman, a participant in the Chattanooga program of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, captured First Place in the National Casting Competition this past Wednesday at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Mo.
Mr. Stockman placed first in the preliminary round, as well as first in the final round. His score was the highest thus far in the four years of the national competition, and was nearly 20 percent higher than the second place finish in the final round.
To arrive at the national level, Mr. Stockman had to compete against other PHWFF fly casters at the local level in Chattanooga as well as the regional level, which includes Tennessee, Kentucky and eastern Arkansas. At the PHWFF National Casting Competition there were 15 competitors from other regions across the country who also had to work their way through the local and regional competitions. The casting course is comprised of two consecutive rounds for accuracy to targets at various specified distances, including an obstruction target, as well as a third round for distance with two different styles of casts, all within a running six minute clock.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled veterans and active duty military through fly fishing and associated activities including fly tying, rod building, fly casting and educational activities as well as outings. Veterans must have a VA-rated disability to participate in the organization.
The Chattanooga Program recently celebrated 10 years and is one of over 200 programs nationwide.
For more information about Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, visit the national website at www.ProjectHealingWaters.org or contact the Chattanooga Program Lead Ross Schweinforth by email at Ross.Schweinforth@ProjectHealingWaters.org.