Meridian Star - NorthPark Wildlife Extravaganza a big success

Wed, Dec 03 2008

Published: August 07, 2008 10:17 pm

NorthPark Wildlife Extravaganza a big success

By Mike Giles

The second annual NorthPark wildlife extravaganza was a huge success with many children taking advantage of the cooler temperatures inside while participating in Mike Giles’ annual casting contest. FLW angler Ken Murphy provided hands-on instruction to each participant in the art of flipping, pitching and casting.

Most of the children showed marked improvement after only a few casts and were definitely more skilled. Mason Wooldridge took top honors in the high school division with 110 points while scoring at all three stations. He was followed closely by Matthew Croley with 80 points.

Tyler Lank won the elementary school division with 90 points. Young Lank was one of the youngest participants but showed that he knew how to cast by scoring at all three stations. Following close behind in second place were Mikayla Giles and Mallory Wooldridge.

In addition to receiving hands-on instructions from Ken Murphy, the top 5 casters in each division won an assortment of prizes including either a rod and reel combination or tackle box courtesy of Glass Inc. and Slay Steel.

Each participant in the contest also received a tackle pack, compliments of Van’s Deer Processing and Sporting Goods, from Brandon, Mississippi. Van’s is one of the top deer processors and sporting goods suppliers in central Mississippi and is always quick to help out with children’s events and helping with people in need.

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Photos

Winners in the high school division are as follows at right next to Mike Giles: Mason Wooldridge first place, Matthew Croley, Kaleb Watts, Clay Clearman and Carley Owen. None/Mike Giles (Click for larger image)

Winners in the younger division of Mike Giles’ casting contest sponsored by Glass Inc., Slay Steel and Van’s Deer Processing and Sporting Goods are as follows at left: Tyler Lank first place, Mikayla Giles, Mallory Wooldridge, Harrison Hill, and Cynthia Nichols. None/Mike Giles (Click for larger image)

Ken Murphy gives tips to Maggie Wooldridge on the proper pitching technique during the casting contest held last Saturday at NorthPark Church's wildlife event. None/Mike Giles (Click for larger image)