A Classic for a Cause

By Susan Martin

What started as a simple fishing tournament three years ago has flourished into a true community event. Brad Taylor and his close friends sought to start a localized fishing tournament. There wasn’t one that fit their desires around the area, so they created it.

They wanted to fish for fun, but also benefit their local community. The Tangier Classic is a Bay-wide catch/photo tournament where anglers fish anywhere within the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, all the while benefitting the same cause. The Classic also has a large number of eligible species on the approved list, which makes them different from other tournaments. 

But it’s more than fishing.

It’s not just about the fish, it’s about the people. The Tangier Classic is a community-focused, heart-driven event. Each year, a beneficiary is chosen to receive raised funds. Submissions are gathered, then the top three candidates are selected. Candidates are reviewed by the Classic board members, who look for the one that could benefit the most from the funds raised. [Read about the 2021 Beneficiary Owen Drollette below.]

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is what we offer our sponsors and our sense of family/community,” said Brad Taylor. They are all about supporting local! And they aren’t talking just about the business and individual sponsors. Brad added, “All of the beneficiaries become lifelong friends to the tournament committee members.”

Tournament week looks a little like this:

Tuesday - Thursday: Captains meetings throughout the evenings leading up to the tournament.

Friday: Fishing or lay day for anglers. Friday night consists of a corn hole tournament, provided food and drinks, and an evening of relaxation and gathering of the community.

Saturday: Fishing or lay day for anglers. Saturday night is the tournament party, where the community is welcome. The beneficiary and their family are front and center this night to be honored. Live music, food and drink specials, and live auction with items such as custom-built fishing rods, carved duck decoys, and fishing trips.

Sunday: Fishing or lay day for anglers. Results are tallied and the awards presentation is held. Food and drink specials and relaxation are at hand all day.

The hard-working tournament volunteers cook and serve all of the food themselves including pulled pork, chicken quarters, and more tasty dishes. They also have shirts, hats, and other tournament gear for purchase. There are plenty of activities and sightseeing opportunities for the whole family.

The tournament started as a simple fishing event that gave back to its community but they want more from it. Their dream is that this tournament is a catalyst for bringing community together. Brad says, “We’re really trying to grow this into an event people come from all over to just hang out. Whether they fish or not, you cannot beat the view at the Legion. The sunsets are incredible, the hospitality is more than we could ask for, and they have tons of room to grow.” They want to raise more funds so they can give more to the local, non-profit organizations in the community.

An outdoorsman at heart, Brad obviously loves the fishing portion of the tournament. But it’s not his hands-down favorite. “My favorite part of each tournament is when the (beneficiary) family comes down, we present the check, and get to spend time supporting and recognizing them,” he said.

In 2019, they had 219 anglers and paid out over $16,000 in winnings. They also donated over $20,500 to Lane Dodson to assist in buying him a service dog. An additional $300 went to the American Legion.

Last year’s event hosted 271 anglers and paid out over $23,000 in winnings. They donated over $31,000 to Franklin Kirwan, and $1,000 each to the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, Crisfield American Legion Post 16, and the Salisbury Fraternal Order of Police.

Ready to fish?

Registrations for the 2021 Tangier Classic will open in August and wrap up on September 23 at their last captains meeting. The tournament will be September 24-26. All registrants may fish two out of three days. Choose from three tournament divisions: Powerboat, Kayak, and Kids. Visit www.tangierclassic.com for tournament dates, locations, schedule, rules, and regulations.

Make the tournament a weekend away for the family. There are several accommodations around the area including the campsite at the American Legion (camper or tent), Jane’s Island campground, the Somers Cove Motel, and more. And there’s always something going on at the venue the whole tournament weekend, so it makes for a great nearby weekend getaway.

Can’t fish but want to help?

Sponsors and donations are needed. Donations go directly to the beneficiary, not toward the cost of putting on the event. The sponsorship dollars help to cover the event cost and all remaining funds are given to the beneficiary. Event volunteers are also needed to help man stations, package food, help with distribution, and food service.

This year’s title sponsor is Thorne’s Marine of Stockton, Md. “They’ve stepped up in a huge way,” said Brad. The Board is so thankful for all of the sponsors who have supported this year’s event, but more community support is needed.

Thank you Tangier Classic for stepping up in the community and creating a “from the heart” event benefitting our amazing, tight-knit community of Delmarva. 

Here fishy-fishy … Anchors aweigh Delmarva!

Tangier Classic Committee Members: Brad And Ashley Taylor, Dave and Leslie Hooker, Adam Corry, Justin Ancheta, and Steve and Lindsay Mason.

Owen Drollette: The 2021 Tangier Classic Beneficiary

Before their son was born, Scott Drollette and Caroline McPhail of Delmar, Md., settled on the name “Owen”. They chose the name unknowing of the hidden meaning. Months later, after learning their son’s diagnosis, they found out that “Owen” means “Young Warrior.” Little did they know that the meaning behind his name would ring so true.

Halfway through their pregnancy, they found out that Owen was going to be born with several congenital heart defects. They learned that he also has Heterotaxy, a condition where internal organs are not arranged expectedly in the chest and abdomen, causing inaccurate function, and Polysplenia, a condition that causes a person to have multiple spleens. 

Owen Drollette was born on Oct. 23, 2020. At only four days old, he received his first of three open-heart surgeries. He then endured two procedures for his stomach to address the heterotaxy. Owen will have to have a second major open-heart surgery between six and nine months of age, and another at around five years old. 

Owen’s journey has certainly adjusted the lives of his family. It’s been around-the-clock work between the traveling for doctor appointments, hospital visits, and daily medical attention that is needed. Throughout the first five months of Owen’s life, Scott and Caroline switch off weeks and weekends between hospital and home. Caroline hasn’t been able to work since October 2020. Scott has been working during the week while taking care of their oldest son, Mason, while Caroline has been caring for Owen.

As of this week, Owen is home, gaining weight, growing, fighting, and thriving. He’s enjoying tummy and play time with his big brother Mason (who is loving the time with his littlest best friend). Owen is a fighter, a true inspiration, and a warrior with heart.