GH-USC in the News 03-10-11

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The USC Welcomes Presenting Sponsors

As creators and directors of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge, we're pleased to announce this year's presenting sponsors: Budweiser and Mosaic. We appreciate their support and look forward to collaborating with them to deliver this year's tournament and public festival.

Time still remains for teams to enter this year's challenge, and take a shot at winning $15,000 in cash and prizes. Entry can be handled online or by calling Capt. Robert Moore at 941-628-2650.

While competition takes place, fans and the general public can cheer on their teams while enjoying a waterfront festival featuring appearances by Guy Harvey, exciting, entertaining and educational attractions, live music, merchant vendors, and plenty of food and beverages. The event poster below has more info and you can learn more about the history of the tournament and festival by reading the Official Press Release.

As we finalize the program and schedule of events, big announcements will follow, but go ahead and mark your calendars now for the weekend of May 14th and 15th. This event has something for all ages so bring the entire family. Admission is FREE!

Location: Laishley Crab House at Laishley Park. Punta Gorda, FL
Date: Saturday & Sunday - May 14th and 15th
More Info: Stay Tuned to UltimateSharkChallenge.com

We look forward to seeing you there!
Sean Paxton, Brooks Paxton II, Capt. Robert Moore
Creators-Directors:
Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge

Observer Program Training Dates Set

The date for the USC Certified Observer Training has been scheduled for April 9th, 2011 from 9am to 1pm at the Laishley Park Meeting Room located at Laishly Marina in downtown Punta Gorda.

For anyone interested in learning more about what this important and exciting role in the Ultimate Shark Challenge requires or if you're ready to apply, the observer application can be viewed, downloaded and submitted here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

For those who have already applied, we appreciate you doing so. As we draw closer to the training date, we'll be providing additional information about what to expect and how to prepare for the session.

2011 USC Observer Program Underway

The Certified GH-USC Observer Program is one of the critical components that distinguish this Next Generation Shark-Release Tournament as the innovative leader and credible standout of the industry. Our mission to combine the goals of sport, science and conservation would not be met without it, and the bottom line is you won't find another hands-on program like this anywhere in the sporting world. Along with our partners and volunteers, we're proud to be the ones keeping this important leading edge in responsible competitive angling sharp and effective.

That brings us to the matter at hand. We'd like to thank all those who stepped up to be trained and certified as our first graduating class of USC Observers in 2010. We've already heard from many of you that we'll see you again in 2011. With the tournament expanding this year, we're happy to have you back, along with those of you interested in joining us for the first time.

We're also pleased to have Dr. Bob Hueter and the Mote Center for Shark Research staff on board again as our chief science and research partners. Among the many important contributions made by them is the expert training they assist us in providing to all our observer applicants. Without a doubt, the training is world class and second to none.

For anyone interested in learning more about what this important and exciting role requires or if you're ready to apply, the observer application can be viewed, downloaded and submitted here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

In the meantime, all the best. We look forward to seeing you soon ...
GH-USC Creators & Directors: Sean Paxton, Brooks Paxton II, Captain Robert Moore

2011 Team Entries Now Open!

We'd like to welcome back our teams from 2010, along with all the new teams taking on the 2nd Annual Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge. For your convenience, we've just opened up tournament entry forms and submissions online.

PHOTO: L-R: Bob Hueter, Sean Paxton, 2010 1st Place Winners of Team Pole Dancer (Zack Gerzeny & Capt. Wayne Nichols), Brooks Paxton II, Capt. Robert Moore

This link, will provide you the options of viewing, downloading, submitting or requesting entry forms. You'll also be provided with several payment options to secure your spot in this year's competition.

Keep in mind that all entries forms and fees will be taken on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the time of payment also marks your start position for the the first day of competition.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you in Punta Gorda and on the water this May 13 - 15th! As always, stay tuned to UltimateSharkChallenge.com for all the latest news and updates.

Entry Form Dowload Page

PHOTO: 2010 Grand Championship Teams & Directors. L-R Front: Bob Hueter, Capt. Mike Manis, Capt. Jay Withers, Zack Gerzeny, Sean Paxton, Capt. Wayne Nichols, Brooks Paxton II, Capt. Robert Moore. L-R Back: Thomas Burt, David McQuade, Capt. Jimmy Willis, Capt. Bucky Dennis, William Deluna, Richard Proceszyn.

PHOTO FROM VIDEO: Team RedZone in action on Tampa Bay in 2010. L - R: Jay Withers, preparing to conventionally tag a 6 foot, 6" male bull shark, while Mike Manis secures the fish with an Aftco tail snare, and USC Certified Observer, Robert Lugiewicz maintains control of the head. This catch & release would help Team Red Zone land 2nd Place overall. Named 'Red Zone' by the team, it would also be successfully satellite tagged by the Mote Center for Shark Research.