Inaugural Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament a success
Team Wavetamer, pictured, from left: Scott Wind, Captain Don Ruppert and Art Wind, took top honors with an impressive 33.97-pound six-fish box at the inaugural Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament, also bringing in the tournament’s 7.29-pound heaviest single walleye. Photo courtesy of Ron Morcio
The inaugural Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament leaderboard was filled with top notch fishing teams. Photo courtesy of Mark Mohr
The generosity of individuals and businesses stepped up to honor Ray Adamczak’s memory. Mike Durusky donated $500 toward the big-fish prize, while Lauren Chmielowiec and Upstate Steel, Ray’s employer, provided generous support for the event. Lower left is Captain Jim Tunney, Ray’s old-time fishing partner. Photo courtesy of Bob Rustowicz
Team Wavetamer, pictured, from left: Scott Wind, Captain Don Ruppert and Art Wind, took top honors with an impressive 33.97-pound six-fish box at the inaugural Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament, also bringing in the tournament’s 7.29-pound heaviest single walleye. Photo courtesy of Ron Morcio
The inaugural Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament leaderboard was filled with top notch fishing teams. Photo courtesy of Mark Mohr
The generosity of individuals and businesses stepped up to honor Ray Adamczak’s memory. Mike Durusky donated $500 toward the big-fish prize, while Lauren Chmielowiec and Upstate Steel, Ray’s employer, provided generous support for the event. Lower left is Captain Jim Tunney, Ray’s old-time fishing partner. Photo courtesy of Bob Rustowicz
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For generations, Lake Erie has been a gathering place for Western New York sportsmen -- a place where friendships are forged, lessons are passed down and memories are made.
Recently, those traditions took on an even deeper meaning at Dunkirk Harbor as approximately 25 teams participated in the inaugural Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament, honoring a young local outdoorsman whose life was cut far too short.
Ray was a passionate hunter, fisherman and trapper, but those who knew him remember him for more than his love of the outdoors. He was also a mentor -- someone willing to share his knowledge, his time and his enthusiasm with others.
Ray passed away this past summer after receiving the devastating news of an illness only a few weeks earlier. His sudden loss was felt throughout a close-knit community of hunters, anglers, trappers, friends and family.
Longtime friend and fishing partner Ron Morcio organized the memorial tournament as a way to honor Ray and bring many of those people together on the water Ray loved so much. Morcio and Ray had fished together for many years, sharing both the competition and camaraderie that come with tournament fishing. They also experienced their share of success, winning multiple tournaments together.
"It's not the same on the boat without him," Morcio said. "I keep his favorite lure in the water much of the time."
Those simple words perhaps captured the meaning of the day better than anything else could.
Ray's family, including his father, attended the event, along with Captain Jim Tunney, making the tournament especially meaningful. Throughout the day, anglers and friends shared stories and kind words about Ray, creating an atmosphere that went well beyond the competition.
On the leaderboard, Team Wavetamer -- Captain Don Ruppert, Scott Wind and Art Wind -- took top honors with an impressive 33.97-pound six-fish big box, while also bringing in the tournament's 7.29-pound biggest single walleye -- good for the big fish top prize. The team was recognized not only for its performance on the water, but also for the class and sportsmanship they displayed during the awards.
Second place and not far behind, just ounces, was Team Who's Ur Uncle with Captain Ron Morcio, Bob Rustowicz, Tom Slawatycki and Shawn Piniewski, weighing in 33.69 pounds with a 7.14 big fish kicker.
The tournament was made possible in part through the generosity of individuals and businesses who wanted to help honor Ray's memory. Mike Durusky donated $500 toward the big-fish prize, while Lauren Chmielowiec and Upstate Steel, Ray's employer, provided generous support for the event.
Morcio also extended special thanks to Captain Mark Mohr for his guidance and energy in helping organize the tournament, along with Joel Ruggiero Sr., John E. Woelfle and Scott Schieder for their assistance.
The most important measure of the tournament wasn’t found on the scales. It was found in the boats, on the dock and among the families and friends who came together to remember someone they cared about.
The first Ray Adamczak Memorial Walleye Tournament demonstrated what the Western New York outdoor community does best: come together, support one another and honor one of their own.
Ray may no longer be sitting beside his friends in the boat, but his presence remains -- in the stories, in the friendships, in the lessons he shared and, fittingly, in the lure that Ron continues to keep in the water.
The hope is that this year’s gathering will become a lasting tradition, giving future generations of anglers another opportunity to hear Ray’s story and understand the kind of sportsman, friend and mentor he was.
For everyone who knew Ray, the tournament wasn’t simply about catching walleye.
It was about keeping Ray on the water.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Sept. 23: Fly Tying Class, 6-8 p.m., free, Falconer Rod & Gun Club, 329 Falconer St., Jamestown; info: 716-467-0782.
Sept. 23: 3-D Archery, Evans Rod & Gun Club, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, 15 targets, free instruction 4-6 p.m.; Info: call Jerry Gorski, 716-698-3008.
Sept. 23-24: NYSDEC Hunter Ed, Westfield Fish & Game Club, 5831 Ogden Road, Westfield, 5:30-9 p.m., taught by Vincent E. Luce, register at: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/545, or call 585-226-5463.
Sept. 24: 3-D Archery & Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., members $5, nonmembers $8, dinner $8; West Falls Conservation Club, 55 Bridge St., West Falls; Info: 716-652-4650.
Sept. 24: 3-D Archery, 20 targets Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, open to public, 4391 Stockton-Cassadaga Road, Stockton; 716-397-9717.