This year’s Red River Shootout was a strong reminder of what happens when people come together and put in the work. Steve Bootsma, with board support, took the lead on organizing and executing the event from start to finish. I was glad to be alongside him helping bring it together, but make no mistake—Steve, along with Angela Sparks and KWMG, set the tone, and it showed in how smoothly everything ran. From communication to execution, this was one of the most well-run shootouts we’ve had.

We finished with 35 attendees, generating $14,700 in event revenue. Sponsorship support was strong across the board, bringing in $21,000, plus $650 in opt-ins for the Robert Milligan Big Fish Award, totaling $21,650 raised for the scholarship fund. This event doesn’t happen without our sponsors, and the support this year showed up in a big way. Gold-level sponsors included Kenworth, NTP, Norton Transport, Peterbilt, Taylor & Martin, and Holt Truck Centers, with additional backing from Vander Haag’s, Beacon Funding, BMO Financial, Transwest, Truck Master Warranty, and Truck Inventory Solutions.

Right on cue, a cold front, wind, and rain showed up on tournament day—but that just added to the story. Most of us were able to get on fish, and the competition stayed strong all morning. Tim Barnes took home the Robert Milligan Big Fish Award, but it wasn’t the only catch people were talking about. Ellie Gallus brought in a lunker smallmouth that had the whole dock paying attention—one of those catches that sticks with you. More importantly, the event delivered where it counts: strong networking, good conversations, and time spent with people in this industry that carries beyond just one day on the water.

Big thank you to Laura Carter for putting together a great sponsor banner and helping get everyone prepared with the "know before you go" communication ahead of time. That preparation showed— everything ran clean and organized from start to finish.

At the end of the day, this one reflects what the UTA is all about—people coming together, putting in the effort, and making something worthwhile for the group. Steve did a tremendous job leading this event, and I was proud to be part of it. We’ll build on it from here.

Freights on deck,

– Rock

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