'The Bass Pack' casts line at LCHS
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Loren Torok, 14, pulls a bass from the water after hooking it Monday on Hayden Lake during an outing with his older brother and father. The Torok brothers started a bass fishing club at Lake City High School as an avenue to potentially earn scholarships as well as provide an outlet outside of the traditional sporting opportunities at high school.</p>
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Blake Torok, left, and his brother Loren Torok secure their rod and reels at the end of a fishing excursion on Hayden Lake.</p>
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Loren Torok attaches a new lure to his line as his brother Blake, 17, fishes off the bow.</p>
Lake City High School has plenty of clubs. Academic clubs, drama clubs, anti-drug clubs and sports clubs.
Here's a new one: The Bass Club.
President and LCHS student Loren Torok founded "The Bass Pack" last October and already, it has found a following.
Members recently held a bass tournament at Rose Lake.
Torok talked Hope Connacher and Arielle Johnson into joining the club despite their lack of experience. The team helped the girls practice and encouraged them.
It paid off.
Connacher reeled in a 4.95 pound bass - the largest of the day and her first fish and the first bass she has caught. Fishing partner Johnson helped them take second place in the tournament.
Torok recently took time to answer a few questions about The Bass Club.
Why did you start it?
I love bass fishing. This was a great way to bring together students with a common interest. This allows students to compete for scholarship money and learn about aquatic-life conversation and boater safety.
What do you guys do?
We have a monthly meeting to discuss activities, fishing techniques and develop skills. We have guest speakers including two employees from Cabela's. We have had one tournament with a great turnout. We are in the process of deciding where and when the next tournaments will be.
What's the goal?
The goal is to spread the word about competitive bass fishing. To provide students who may not have an opportunity to fish otherwise. It allows students to join a club different from common high school sports and clubs.
What do members receive?
The members receive an equal opportunity to excel in the sport. They earn points for awards at the end of the year. This club will also provide high school students with the preparation to compete at the college level.
Are scholarships at stake?
The Student Angler Federation provides all students who compete at the national level a chance to win scholarship money to the school of their choice.
How has it gone for you?
Getting the club started this year has gone better than expected. This is thanks to the club's adviser Mr. Brindle, my honors English teacher Mrs. Mieren and the support of the administrative staff at Lake City High School.
How many members?
The club currently has over 20 members two of which are girls (who are awesome at fishing by the way). All students are ninth through 12th grade and must maintain good grades to compete.
Will this continue?
My hope is that the club will continue to grow and more students will want to get involved. Lake City High School is the only school in Northern Idaho with a bass fishing club. We are always in need of support for the club. Cabela's in Post Falls donated our fishing jerseys which was very much appreciated. We can always use boaters with bass boats over 16 foot in length that is propeller driven to help boat students who do not otherwise have access to a bass boat.
Where do you meet?
We meet on the second Monday of every month at Lake City High School.
How can someone join?
By contacting myself or Mr. Brindle.
Any final thoughts?
My brother Blake Torok, who is a junior at LCHS, and myself are leaving for the Idaho State High School Bass Fishing Championships. We will be competing against other high schools from Southern Idaho. We may also be going to the national championship in July.