Cancer Classic fishing tournament is a special tribute
By Andrew Giermak
The West Landing Marina in
Chris Vitovich, of
Both men worked at the shipyard in
"Lo and behold, it was from asbestos, from being an insulator at the
shipyard, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and it killed him in six months, at
age 46," said Vitovich.
Vitovich was with Gambill the night before he passed away in
January 2001 and he told him he would do something in his memory. He wasn't
sure what at that point, but soon the fishing tournament became the best
tribute he could think of.
"It's become a burning desire within me," said Vitovich.
Through the Classic's first six years, it's raised more than $48,000 for the
American Cancer Society in Gambill's honor. This year's fundraising goal is
more than $17,000.
"Fortunately, it just gets better and better each year," said
Vitovich.
The tournament brings out family and friends who loved Steve as well as fishers
who didn't know him.
"His wife and grandmother always hand out the trophies. His brother will
be out there, and nieces, nephews and cousins," said Vitovich.
"My son has been the assistant director for a lot of years and I'll make
sure he picks it up and keeps it going after I'm gone. He knew Steve really
well, too, so this will be going on for a long time."
The tournament goes from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a family picnic and
pig-picking to follow from 3-5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer
Society. Along with the fishing, the day will include food, raffles, live music
and kid events such as face-painting, moonwalk and clowns.
There are two divisions (Bass and Open) with first, second and third place
trophies for each division. Juniors (15-and-under) compete only against other
juniors. There will be trophies for the junior divisions as well. Participants
in the same boat must be in the same division. Registration date and time will
determine order of blastoff.
Each participant will be allowed to weigh in their top five fish. Wayne Hayes
of Seaport Marine will be doing the weigh in. All fish must meet state legal
size limits. Vitovich said he expects well over 100 participants next Sunday morning.
Participants can pre-register by any of the following ways: call Chris Vitovich
(547-0220, work, 467-0740, home), by e-mail to cvitovich@daparak.com, or online
at www.cancerclassic.org.
Fees will be due at the tournament. Visit cancerclassic.org for more
information.
7th Annual Steve Gambill Cancer Classic Sunday, June 1 starting at 6:30 a.m.
West Landing Marina, Virginia Beach
Bass Only Division (Artificial bait only, minimum size 12 inches)
$25 - adults (plus $5 launch fee)
$15 - 15 years and under (first child pays, second is free)
Open Division (Live or artificial bait)
Fishing from boat: Bass (12-inch minimum), Crappie and Catfish only
Fishing from shore (Marina only): Weigh in what you catch
$25 - adults (plus $5 launch fee or $2 shore fee)
$15 - 15 years and under (first child pays, second is free)