This weekend anglers will have an opportunity to test their mettle at the Starland Fishing Derby at the Michichi Dam.

This is the third year that Starland has been organizing the event, carrying on a tradition started in memory of Ryan Savary.

The Starland Fishing Derby is casting Saturday, August 26. This is the third year that the county has hosted the event.

However, its roots go back over two decades as the Ryan Savary Memorial Fishing Derby.

“The last two derbies we still referred to it as the Ryan Savary Derby, but we don’t officially call it that anymore,” said Glen Riep, who is working to organize the event.

The event is open to all fishermen and fisherwomen of all ages and experience. Registration is from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Derby closes at 4 p.m. Starland will have a hot dog barbecue for participants.

Reip says the derby is a great chance for some wholesome family time.

It has been consistently a popular event, and last year brought dozens of anglers.

“We are trying to get more kids involved. Wildlife sporting activities are starting to really suffer, young people just aren’t taking part in them anymore. So we want to promote that family side of it,” said Riep.
Fishers under 5 are free.

There are prizes in various categories and age groups and draw prizes. The trophies include the Ryan Savary Award, the catch closest to 1 pound 2 ounces.

For more information go to www.starlandcounty.com, or contact its office at 403-772-3793.

After eight years of playing football, Travis Dietrich has become team captain for the Chilliwack, B.C. Valley Huskers.

His love for the game started in Grade Eight at DVSS. He played two years of Bantam before quitting for another two years.

For both his grade 11 and 12 year, the Titans team won provincials in the tier four category.

“After that, I jumped right to junior and after graduation moved to Chilliwack,” said Dietrich.

His friend was able to get a foot in the door for Dietrich, leading to his now fourth-year participation with the B.C. team.
Drumheller’s active care, appreciation, and interest for the sport and its players has helped Dietrich through the years as well.

“The community in Drumheller is huge, we’ve got a great fan support. Everywhere I go now in Drum is ‘How is your football going?’ kind of thing so the community is huge,” Dietrich explained.

"School was becoming less and less of an option due to a lack of scholarship money and timing. His new head coach for the Chilliwack Valley Huskers had approached Dietrich, convincing him to join the team for another year instead.

“I just kind of looked at it more as a financial situation to make a decision,” said Dietrich.

As a defensive lineman, his position consists of either stopping the run or going to get the quarterback but what sets Dietrich apart stems from many reasons like his drive, age, and stature.

“I’m the oldest on the ‘O’ line at the moment, I’m the veteran, a team leader. I’m the team captain this year so what separates me is my size and I’m lengthy so that helps a lot compared to other people.”

The team appears to be growing after new leadership from both coach and captain.

“This year we are doing a lot more team bonding and stuff so it’s a lot closer, more of a family feel.”

In the future, Dietrich plans to go pro and play in the CFL, NFL, or even European football.

“I tried to play professionally in Europe, I’m on a website to get on that,” Dietrich said. “It’s actually developing really strong overseas. Doors are always open.”

Home games are always live streamed so if you can’t make it to the games check out the valley huskers Facebook page:

or https://www.bcfctv.com/en/upcoming-games