Thursday and Friday, June 26-27, 2014

The 13th Annual Greater Niagara BassEye Celebrity Challenge kicked-off the summer at the newly removed Rich Atrium in Buffalo, New York. Captains, anglers, and guests were among the first to enjoy an evening in the new Atrium and were treated to gourmet fare paired with specialty cocktails, great beer and a series of exciting auctions while listening to the music from the Heard of Buffalo band. Presenting sponsor of the tournament was Rich Products Corporation and Buffalo Bisons.

In attendance was event founder, Bob Rich, of Rich Products Corporation. He was recognized for his leadership and steadfast support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Gia Coone, Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis. Foundation said “This tournament would not be possible without the incredible couple behind it all, Bob and Mindy Rich. We are grateful for their support and commitment to finding a cure”. 97 Rock’s Rob Lederman served as emcee for the evening. Bob Rich presented a special gift to WKBW-TV’s Linda Pellegrino in recognition of her support of the tournament since its inception.

Friday morning captains and anglers gathered for the blessing of the fleet and departed from the NFTA Small Boat Harbor for one cause. The catch and release tournament placed some of Western New York’s best and most competitive anglers in a 34-boat competition. Later that afternoon captains, anglers, and guests enjoyed a Dockside BBQ. The Grand Champion Angler for the 2014 Basseye Celebrity Challenge was Paul Billoni with 1900 points with Captain Chris Cinelli. The Grand Champion team was Fred Saia, Mike Keller, James Schmidt, captained by Matt Yablonsky, with 3750 points. Bob Rich, Connor Lupkin and Dennis Kreze came in second with Captain Don Ruppert on deck.

For more information about the Greater Niagara BassEye Celebrity Challenge please contact Gia Coone at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at gcoone@cff.org or (716) 204-2535.

Grand Champion Angler
Paul Billoni (1900 points)
Captain, Chris Cinelli

Grand Champion Team Angler
Fred Saia, Mike Keller, Jim Schmidt (3700 points)
Captain, Matt Yablonsky

Grand Champion Female Angler
Beth Grieshober (350 points)
Captain, Terry Jones

Runner Up Angler
Connor Lupkin (1750 points)
Captain, Jim Hanley

Runner Up Team Angler
Bob Rich, Connor Lupkin, Dennis Kreze (3750 points)
Captain, Jim Hanley

Most Walleye Releases
Bob Rich (23 releases)
Captain, Jim Hanley

Largest Bass
Mark Halter (21")
Captain, Mike Mogensen

Largest Walleye
Jeff Thiele (30.5")
Captain, Don Ruppert