VIDEO: ICAST 2017 hear the story of Riley’s Catch
They often say you should be the change you wish to see in the world. This week while at ICAST 2017, we met an incredible family with an amazing story but an even greater heart. This is our story of Riley’s Catch:
We met Rod on a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the convention center. We exchanged our visions and passions for the sport. Immediately, we knew we wanted to be a part of this organization. Little did we know that our conversation would set the tone for the next few days.
The first two days, we walked the entire convention center several times looking for Rod because we wanted to capture their story. It must have been a divine intervention because we literally ran into Rod late Friday morning. At that time, we were introduced to Riley’s parents and sister. We walked and talked with them as we walked back to their booth to set up for an interview. That 2 minute walk through the convention center completely changed my life.
17-year old Riley Laymon
PC: rileyscatch.com
Riley’s mom shared with me that her son Riley had this amazing heart for people. He was a natural born leader that always led with love and a heart ready to serve. In 2012, Riley wanted to start a bass fishing team at his local high school. He wrote a letter (http://rileyscatch.com/about/) to his favorite teacher outlining his idea for the team. Tragically, Riley was killed in an auto accident just two weeks after having written his letter. With tears in both of our eyes, she continued to share his stories with me. I was so moved by the way her eye’s lit up as she spoke about the legacy he had left at just 17 years old.
Following his death, Riley’s parents, Tom and Lisa Laymon, felt in their hearts to launch Riley’s Catch. Riley’s letter left a blueprint that would ultimately set the foundation for Riley’s Catch. This organization is founded on 4 pillars: Fun, Friendship, Faith, and Fishing. In his interview, Rod describes fishing as “The Hook.” Since Riley’s catch was started, hundreds of students have participated in the club and tournaments.
Annually, Riley’s Catch holds a fishing tournament called Riley’s Cup. This community event brings together both high school and college students from two states, North and South Carolina. This year the tournament will take place on October 27 & 28, 2017, at Lake Wylie, SC. Mark your calendars if you are in the North or South Carolina area. As the event approaches, more details can be found online at http://www.rileyscup.com/.
We thank Riley for the life that he led while he was here on this earth. We for sure can say that we have been changed by his story. If you take anything away from this story remember, change starts with you.
Connect with Riley’s Catch on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/rileyscatch
https://instagram.com/rileyscatch/
