"When I want it to be winter, I think of all the guys, my ice shack full of laughter and a cold blue winter sky..."
THE VERY FIRST ELI GOSS MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT CREW
The idea for the First Eli Goss Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament came from a meeting of the NCUHS Student Forum after the sudden loss of their friend Eli in a motor vehicle accident on September 17, 2010. The students met in the forum to share their struggle with all the tough feelings and questions they were faced with in the aftermath of the accident that took their closest friend. Ice fishing was a special part of their life together and the idea was born to create an ice fishing tournament in Eli's honor and to raise money for the Scholarship Fund in his name at United Christian Academy, where Eli attended school.
"Food is worth the sacrifice, if it means no six pack abs... and when friends call and need a ride, and you really don't have gas, find a way to make it, because this trip could be your last."
Charles Carpenter, Chad Letourneau, Jacob Buckles
The First Annual Eli Goss Memorial Tournament raised over $1,100.00, more than doubling funds raised by the UCA Parents Association. This allowed for three of the twelve graduating seniors in Eli's class to recieve Scholarships in the amount of $750.00. These were cherished awards by a class grieving their close friend and teammate. It says alot about these North Country students who created an event to raise money in Eli's name and then give it away to his school. Chad Letourneau said, "I believe that Eli having friends at both schools connected us, and caused us to care more about eachother."..."We decided to donate the money because we were all really close to Eli."
In our minds you may be frozen as a 17 year old, but in our hearts you will always shine, brighter than the sun...
2ND ANNUAL ELI TOURNAMENT SUPPORTERS
Hearts never waivered as the second winter without Eli came and planning for the Second Annual Eli Tournament began without hesitation. The odds were challenging with a late permit date and arctic cold temperatures on the lake. But, support for the tournament was strong and Eli's crew of friends successfully raised over $1,000.00 in his name. In 2012, at Eli's mother's request, the Eli scholarship fund was expanded to include both UCA and NCUHS. This seemed only fitting, as money raised came from both schools and a joint fund that connected the schools would support the bridge of friendship Eli had created.
2013 brought sunny skies and oatmeal pies...and growing support for the Eli Goss Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament. The community really rallied behind the event and with the creation of the "Official Tournament Hoodie" sold to fisherman and local supporters, fund raising exceeded expectations! Warmer temperatures brought about the idea of complimentary breakfast sandwiches and hot soup deliveries to shacks closer to shore, a tradition that continues each year.
3rd ANNUAL ELI TOURNAMENT SUPPORTERS
8th Annual Tournament Group Photo
Since the tournament’s creation in 2011: 109 scholarships, totaling over $78,300.00, have been awarded to graduates to help students follow their dreams!
"So put away your sadness when you think of me, and when you look inside your heart, just laugh at what you see. I filled it up with simple truths and Eli memories."
"So put away your sadness when you think of me, and when you look inside your heart, just laugh at what you see. I filled it up with simple truths and Eli memories."
