ESPN Youth

It was only 18 months ago that Jared Raymer competed for the title of CastingKids National Champion in front of thousands of bass fishing fans at the 2008 Bassmaster Classic. He and Austin Neary were casting off in the final round of competition, their other competitors in the 11- to 14-year-old age bracket already eliminated.

The final score, though, favored Neary — only by 10 points, or a single ring on the CastingKids target.

But this week, Raymer gets another shot.

Raymer, now 15, is ready for this second chance to take the trophy. "He is excited to compete this week," says his father, Frank Raymer. "He is sad that this is going to be the last year for CastingKids, but he wants to be the one to go out on top."

Raymer is referring to the fact that this year is the last for CastingKids as a competition-based program as CastingKids becomes part of an education-based partnership with the U.S. Sportsman's Alliance.

"Our goal is to have CastingKids reach a much broader audience, and now we'll be able to do that," says Stacy Twiggs, senior manager, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Youth. "We'll be able to increase the volume of children we can educate and entertain by modifying our program. We're looking to reach 200,000 children in 2010."

This Friday, though, it's all about the competition. Each child gets two practice shots and two official shots for each of the following: 30-foot cast, 20-foot pitch and 10-foot flip. Officials record the higher of the two official scores for each type and add the three numbers together for the caster's total score. In the case of a tie, the children participate in a sudden-death cast-off until a winner is determined.

Jared Raymer will represent the Southern Division in the 11- to 14-year-old age division. He'll be competing against two former national championship winners, Kiana Clark from the Western division and Shauni Voisin from the Eastern division; plus Trevor Yates, Central; John Duarte, Mid-Atlantic; and Nathan Hiser, Northern.

In the 7- to 10-year-old age division, former national champ Sierra Voisin will represent the Eastern division against Andy Ortega, Central; Amber Roberts, Mid-Atlantic; Christopher Guest, Southern; Dalton Fox, Northern; and Payne Avera, Western.

For Twiggs, this last week of competition is bittersweet.

"I've been fortunate to see these kids grow up, moving through CastingKids and up to the Junior Bassmaster program," said Twiggs. "I love seeing their competitive spirit. The kids are so appreciative and thankful. The reward is in seeing their smiles and their enjoyment."

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