EDINBORO, Pa. (April 26, 2016) – The Edinboro University football team volunteered its time to assist in the ninth annual fishing derby on Saturday, April 16. The event, sponsored by Edinboro Oasis Lodge 416, was held at Mallory Run with more than 50 children signed up for the festivities.
 
Prizes were given to children with the biggest catch in every age group courtesy of Gander Mountain. The overall winner of the day took home a tackle box loaded with fishing supplies and a brand new fishing rod.
 
Lodge member Al Doré stressed that the continuation of the fishing derby is all about the kids. "It's all about the kids; whether they win or not," Doré said. Fellow lodge member Dave Fulford also explained that the kids appreciated the contributions made by the Edinboro football team. "The kids like seeing the football players," said Fulford.
 
Assistant football coach Wayne Bradford helps coordinate with Fulford, who is a biology professor at Edinboro University, to bring his Fighting Scots down to assist. "We really try to push that it's important to be part of the community," said Bradford. "It's important to us to get our kids to interact with the community."
 
The fishing isn't just an experience for the kids to remember, but also for the players. "We have lots of first-time guys down here. They're from Rochester, N.Y., and Pittsburgh, so there's a chance that they've never, ever been fishing," explained Bradford. For those that have fond memories of casting a line, the annual event brings them back to a simpler time. "It brings back a lot of memories from their childhood and that's why they come down here each year to help out," said Fulford.