United Tool and Fastener (UTF) sponsored and participated in the 14th annual Shrine Sportsman Fishing Tournament in Matagorda Harbor, Texas, on June 23 with 31 teams participating. UTF has been a part of this annual fishing tournament nearly from its beginning.

The event supports local Houston and Galveston Shriners hospitals.

UTF was represented at the event by Vice President of Sales and Marketing, John Calhoun, and San Antonio sales representative, Brian Yezierski. Calhoun fished with James Van Meter, owner of Valentine Steel of Houston, a Shriner, and Gordon McCleary, owner of Gordon the Plumber of New Braunfels, both UTF customers.

“Our team took second place for trout and Gordon caught the second heaviest trout in the tournament,” Calhoun said.

Yezierski fished with customer, Justin Smoot, of Alterman Electric.

“The tournament was a blast. Justin and I caught a lot of fish and we were able to help raise money for a great cause,” Yezierski said.

“The weather was a little windy, but that helped keep it under Sahara-like temperatures. We hope to get to do it again next year.”

The Friday evening pre-tournament dinner was held at the Fireman’s Hall and comprised bar-b-que prepared by the local Mason’s lodge. Shiner beer provided beer for the dinner and entered a team in the tournament.

“This year’s tournament proceeds will help purchase another van for the local Shrine hospitals,” Calhoun explained. “This will be the third one donated by the Shrine Sportsmen, our sponsors, and participants in the tournaments.”

The annual Shrine Sportsman Fishing Tournament is an event put on by the Houston/Galveston branch of the Shriners, whose primary purpose is to support the 22 hospitals that make up the Shriners Hospitals International. The hospitals provide free expert medical care to children from all over the world.

The Shriners hospital in Galveston caters to children with burns while the hospital in Houston caters to patients with orthopaedic and neuromusculoskeletal disorders and diseases, as well as cleft lip and palate abnormalities.

“We look forward to another great tournament with friends and clients next year,” Calhoun said.