Elite

At the 7th Annual Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam

Combs again teams with former Elite Jay Yelas to hold a C.A.S.T. For Kids event.

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Mike Suchan
The 7th Annual Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam took place on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Umphrey Pavilion on Lake Sam Rayburn. Combs, the longtime Bassmaster Elite Series angler, and wife, Jennifer, again joined forces with former Elite and Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Jay Yelas, who is director of the C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation.
They held the second Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam children’s event and banquet fundraiser to benefit C.A.S.T. For Kids, which gives special needs children an eventful day of fishing. Dylan Tedder, a C.A.S.T. For Kids participant, sang the national anthem before Friday’s banquet at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin, and he knocked it out of the park. Like Superstar Gavin, the children were proud of their catches – some landed their first fish ever.
Professional angler Hunter Baughman, who has participated and organized programs similiar to C.A.S.T. For Kids, was the special guest speaker.
After Saturday’s fishing on famed Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Chris Ryder and Cullen Moore took third place with 17.73 pounds.
Robert More and Jerry Couter finished in second place with 18.54.
The winning team was Clayton Boulware and Chris McCall, who weighed in 20.85.
The team of Boulware and McCall were helped by the big bass of the event, a 9.24 lunker.
Helped by volunteers, the special needs kids were just as proud of their fish, like Superstar Curtis and Superstar Gavin. Smiles were abundant.
“Keith and Jennifer Combs have hearts of gold,” said Yelas, holding Superstar Skyler’s fish. “What a difference they made in their community and across America last weekend! Their support of the C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation will provide an opportunity for several hundred children with special needs to go fishing and to be celebrated next year.”
“The projected budget totals were absolutely shattered with the evening bringing in $155,000!” said Jim Behnken, the Texas Director of C.A.S.T. For Kids. “Texans stepped up in a big way to help the foundation continue to provide days of fishing to children with special needs.”
Combs, with Superstar Bentley, said, “It was an amazing 24-hour period. I feel in years to come this event will spawn many other C.A.S.T. For Kids events in which children with special needs can overcome limitations and have a glorious day on the water with their families.”
The children were ecstatic, as evidenced by Superstar Chessa’s big grin.
Superstar Kylie is thrilled with her double.
Superstar Kross shows his excitement.
Superstar Sophia leans in for a shot with Combs.
The children were almost as thrilled with the awards presented, like Superstar Lily.
Jennifer gets in on the group shot with Superstars Skyler and Brook. “Every child, no matter what their physical or families’ financial limitations are, should be able to feel the tug of a fish on a line, and the wind in their face on a boat ride,” Keith and Jennifer said. “We are humbled and completely blown away by the support we received this week.”
All the participants and volunteers received T-shirts, hats, tackleboxes, fishing rods, award plaques and medals. Lunch was also provided for them and their families.
Superstar Kross had loads of hardware as he took home the award for the most fish caught.
Superstar Curtis was super excited to take home the biggest fish award. “To see the community come together and support this wonderful cause means the world to us,” Keith and Jennifer said. “The joy on these kids’ faces is what it’s all about and we look forward to hosting this event on an annual basis. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and volunteers for your help in making this event a tremendous success.”

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