Milton anglers reel in first Place at VPA Open Classic

SOUTH HERO — Milton High School anglers reeled in a first-place finish during the ninth annual Vermont Principals’ Association Open Classic fishing tournament held at the John Guilmette State Access.

Connor Eaton, Trevin Trumper, Charlie Abell and Braydon Abell brought in a combined weight of 21.12 pounds to secure the top spot.

They were among 31 teams representing 18 Vermont high schools that competed Saturday, Sept. 19.

Richford High School anglers Garrett Snider and Eli Martin placed second with 20.67 pounds, while Middlebury Union High School’s Wyatt Bigelow and Layne Kipp finished close behind in third place with 20.56 pounds.

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife supported the tournament for the ninth consecutive year, with staff spending the day connecting with student-anglers.

The teams return to South Hero on Saturday, Oct. 3 for the VPA State Championship. Varsity and junior varsity teams will compete in separate flights, with weigh-ins expected to begin shortly after 2 p.m.