Tournament to raise funds for friend

ST. MARYS - The Whiskers for Wicker catfish tournament this Saturday will give anglers the opportunity to help one of their own with medical costs.

Organizer Alex Jenkins, who also organizes other local tournaments, said the event intends to raise money for his Celina fishing friend Jason Wicker, who underwent a double lung transplant over the summer.

Jenkins said he's known Wicker for a few years, describing him as an avid outdoorsman who hunts, fishes and is a great father.

With Wicker's transplant successfully completed, Jenkins now wants to assist with the related medical costs. He said he's hoping for a strong turnout to support Wicker.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the boat ramp near State Route 364 and Parkway Drive. Boats will leave at noon and return by 5 p.m. for weigh-in. There is a six fish limit and a $60 entry fee.

Jenkins said anglers could be battling a cold front and low catfish weights this weekend with the weather forecast. He estimated even a catch total of 30 pounds could take the prize money in those conditions. The pot will be split 50/50 between winners and Wicker's medical costs.