SHORELINES

19 a p c s hor e l i n e s.c om | 2016 Vol :1 A team with high expectations. A passion for fishing. The willingness to work hard on the water and off. The ability to handle the pressure of increased competition while being in the bull's-eye of other programs. Even though the Wildcats focus on winning championships, Shelton says there are other important rewards for coaches and team members. "One of the things I like, my son and I can participate in it together," says Shelton, System Council U-19 business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "I can drive the boat, and my son and his partner can fish all day. There's nothing better than having two kids hemmed up in a 20-foot boat for eight hours. There's no text messaging, no video games, it's strictly fishing." That, and amazing conversations. "We talk about everything from sports to the Bible," Shelton says. "It's unbelievable the conversations you will have out on the water investing time in these kids." Armstrong says getting "to spend time with my dad, my boat captains, with my friends … that's the cool stuff." NO BLEACHER BUMS The coaches say they like being able to take part in the sport as boat captains rather than just sitting on bleachers like they would with football, basketball or baseball. They also appreciate the role they play in influencing not just their sons, but other boys and girls on the team. "It's an opportunity to be a positive influence in their lives,'' Shelton says. "We're not only trying to build anglers, but young men and women," Kanute says. That means maintaining good grades to be eligible to fish, but also being involved in the community. Shelton says Wildcat anglers take part in service projects such as teaching kids at King's Home in Chelsea how to fish as well as helping them fish, and volunteering at March of Dimes events and Alabama Power Renew Our Rivers cleanups and fish habitat projects. "We do more than fish," Shelton says. "We give back to the community." Kanute says he hopes that years down the road he'll witness the impact Hayden's coaches have had on their teams. "All we ask is that when we're old and in the retirement home, one of these kids comes and checks on us and takes us fishing. Pretty simple, isn't it?" – BOB BL ALOCK Right: Photo by K a r im sh a msi-Bash a – The Hayden High School fishing dynasty began in 2011 when the Wildcats claimed the state championship in their first year of competition. Centerfold : Photo by K a r im sh a msi-Bash a – The sunset is a breathtaking backdrop for team practice on Lay Lake.

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