The Illini Muskies Alliance inducted their 2018 Hall of Fame class at the famed Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois on Saturday January 6, 2018. For the second year in a row a large audience (over 100) was present to observe this popular IMA program.
The Hall of Fame is the IMA way of recognizing and thanking those individuals who have made a difference with Muskie fishing in Illinois. This thirty year old organization literally has hundreds of potential nominees to choose from. The IMA is made up of eleven Muskie Clubs located throughout the State.
This years’ class was introduced by HOF Chairman Pat Glavin, Midwest Musky Club with each inductee receiving congratulations and appropriate HOF awards from IMA Chairman, Ray Thompson, Southside Musky Hawks chapter of Muskies, Inc.
This years’ Hall Of Fame, “difference makers” included the following individuals:
Steve Statland, Chicagoland Muskie Hunters chapter of Muskies, Inc, certainly a Muskie enthusiastic for many years and one of the past owners and promoters of the Chicago Muskie Show.
Duane Serck, past president of Central Illinois Muskie Hunters chapter of Muskies, Inc, for several years a difference maker and certainly a promoter of Muskie fishing in Illinois.
Jim Beatty president of the Shawnee Muskie Hunters chapter of Muskies, Inc. Initiated the Youth Fishing Day program for Shawnee and founder of the High School Muskie fishing tournament.
Al Nutty, long time guide and Muskie promoter from Kinkaid Lake, One of the founders of the Shawnee Muskie Hunters Club chapter of Muskies, Inc.
Duane Landmeier, Quad County Hawg Hunters chapter of Muskies, Inc, Muskie guide, Seminar speaker and author of one of the first Muskie fishing books regarding Illinois Muskie fishing.
Shawn Hirst, a Muskie friendly fisheries biologist located in southern Illinois. Very involved with the Muskie fishery of Kinkaid Lake for many years. Dan Stephenson, IDNR Fisheries Director, accepted the awards for Shawn.
Howard Chambliss, president of the Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail, member Lake Shelbyville Muskie Club. Strong supporter of Muskie fishing in Illinois for many years.
June Thompson, Southside Musky Hawks chapter of Muskies, Inc, along with husband Warren Thompson make up the first husband and wife members of the Hall of Fame. Again, June has been an active difference maker for Muskie fishing in Illinois through a variety of activities, including Assistant Treasurer of the IMA for many years.
New Media inductees for 2018 included Scott Richardson, former Outdoor columnist for the Pantograph, and Dale Bowman, Outdoor columnist for the Sun-Times. The IMA has long realized the importance of support and promotion from the news media for the Illinois Muskie fishery to prosper.
Jim Hartley, Midwest Musky Club, continues to be a strong supporter of the IMA and the Muskie Fishery in Illinois.
Frank Walter, South of the Border chapter of Muskies, Inc., for many years a strong supporter and participant with the Illinois Muskie fishery program. Over the years for sure a difference maker.
Pete Barber, Fox River Valley chapter of Muskies, Inc, an active and sought out voice of not only the Fox River Valley group but the Illini Muskie Alliance as well.
For contact information concerning any of the Clubs that make up the Illini Muskies Alliance readers may contact, Ron Skala, Midwest Musky Club, at [email protected].
By: Duane Landmeir, PR Mgr
