CHRISTIANA WIENS SKEENA: ANGLER. ROB BROWN a is arly this summer I got a call from Hans VanKlinken of Holland. He was given my name by Henk Melse. I'd met Henk and his partner Patrick summer of 1987. Gentle young fellows with a passion for fishing, I.showed them spots where they caught many salmon and a few memorable steelhead. “You have heard of the Van Klinkhammer Spe- cial?” asked VanKlinken in a tone that suggested he’d be surprised if I hadn’t. When I said no, VanKlinken guffawed then told me how it was all the rage. overseas. ‘‘Everyone in Europe uses it for salmon and sea trout,’’ he pronounced. ‘'You invented jt?’’ I guessed. ‘“Yes, of course,” he replied in a tone that made me feel a little like a ‘country bumpkin. I was quickly tiring of the con- versation. ‘Yeah, uh, OK,”’ F said. ‘'Be sure to call us when you’re up this way.’’ Then ] prompt- ly forgot ali about the call, the Klinkhammer Spe- cial and ‘its inventor. “There are some people on the lawn,’ said Karen. ‘‘Are you expecting somebody?” I looked out. Two people were prowling around under the weeping willow peering around like rescuers at crash site looking for signs of life. I opened the door and offered a hello with a shrug in it. The man dropped his cigarette on the lawn, and bec- koned his partner over, ‘‘Rob Brown, I am Hans VanKlinken,”? be announced. I noticed he was wearing a T-shirt. that had a large picture of a parachute dry fly hovering over the words *‘Van Klinkhammer Speciai.”’ The light in my head illuminated the awkward conversation of two months before. ‘‘Uh...ob yeah...sure,..pleased to meet you come on in,’’ I awkwardly waved them in the direction of the door. ‘‘A minute,” said VanKlinken, Tushing toa Ford Taurus rent-a-car and returning in seconds with a bulging briefcase and a yellow plastic shopping bag. “Coffee, tea?’' I offered when we were all seated in the living room, and the hasty introduc- tions had been made, “No, ** they said in unison, ‘‘Beer?’? ‘“Yes,’’ said Ms, VanKlinken then she disappeazed outside for a sinoke, Meanwhile Hans VanKlinken had pulled a trio of glossy Dutch fly fishing magazines from his valise. He pointed to his name in-a couple of them, then put them back. It became clear that Hans VanKlinken was a famous guy in Eurofish- ing circles. In the hour we spent with him he _ mentioned the many famous names. I'd heard of some of them. When I said that I hadn’t heard of some, Hans VanKlinken quickly assured me that they were indeed big names. Dumping an assortment of Richard Wheatley fly boxes onto the table, VanKlinken opened cach as if he were splitting a pomegranate. Every box was plugged; every clip an aluminum ear adorned with a sparkling carring of a wet fly. ‘With these,”’ announced VanKlinken, ‘‘I owt-fished the locals on the salmon streams in eastern Canada.” F noticed that none of these flies had been chewed, and assumed that this was a new batch assembled for this trip. ‘“You tie a pretty Ay,’’ I observed, thinking at the same time they were a little too thick, uniform, and smoolh for my liking. Hans VanKlinken then pulled out boxes of : floaters, skaters, nymphs and leeches, all neat as pins. ‘‘What ones should I use for steelhead?” he asked. ‘'All of them,’ I answered. My honest reply seemed to irritate him. ‘How many grains for a sinking line,’? he asked. When I told him I don’t know anything about sinking lines since I use a floater most of the time, he looked piqued. I’m sure the famous Hans thought I was a fish- ing rube. He retumed with topographical maps. | again, left shortly and did not return. During ny time with the famous Dutchman, I'd eyeballed the Klinkhammer Special. Later I wrapped up a few and tock them up the Zymoetz on a trip wilh Art Lingren. Art, who has written ‘three books on fly patterns, has researched the subject for thirly years, and knows more about B.C. fly patterns than anyone living, looked at the Klinkhammer Special, and said it looked like an interesting dressing. We took it to a sharp looking pool where I fished it over all the wrinkles on the surface that said structure and stcclhcad were below. J watched its white wing bob dlong for over an hour. Then I changed to a scruffy bee with a moose hair wing and hooked seven steelhead on my first pass through the pool with it, — Art took four fish from the other side of the same run, Over sandwiches I held up the Klinkhammer Special, the best fly ever hatched, according to its illustrious inventor. “Et doesn’t work, Art. This pool is brimming with steelhead,’’ Art shrugged then smiled. “Maybe we're not fishing it proper- ly,”’ he said in that quict unassuming way of his. Mersey on. the Copper River in the. prestigious pointed out the major rivers. He looked bugged | - sible TERRACE STANDARD Coach of the Year Sy Bring us your best Tell us about Terrace’s best coach EVER WANTED to reward that special coach that helped you score your first home nan? Maybe you want to | thank that special some- one that taught you how shoot straight or swim faster. Well chance. now’s our ¥ * That’s right, it’s time to reward your — favourite coach by nominating them in the Terrace Stan- dard’s, fourth annual Coach of the year con- test. Last —-year, Dick Springer, a Cassie Hall elementary school teacher won the competition out of a whopping number of entries, Springer won for his dedication and versatility after teaching school by day. and coaching weekends and evenings for 20 years straight. But some of the runners up, like Randy Latimer, Nick Kolias, Lisa Hamer and Gary Fuller gave him tough competition. The question is who will be nominated this year? It's up to you so watch for entry forms in next week’s Terrace Standard. And remember, the judges are looking for many outstanding qualities including: W@ Respect for players, officials and parents and promoting the philosophy of fair play. g@ Concem for the all- around development for athletes and ieaching guideline for responsible conduct both on and off _ the playing field. Wi Setting an example of positive coaching. @ Showing the ability to improve both individual and team performance. We know itll be tough to find a winner because of some stiff competition out there, but we’re sure our judges will be ready. Pick your winner and tell us why on our nomination forms avail- able here next week. Then mail, fax or email your entry to us at: 3210 Clinton St., Terrace, B.C., V8G SR2. Our fax num- ber is 638-8432 and our email is stan- dard@kermode.net. . Dick Springer The deadline for entry forms will be Nov. 18, The winner will be an- nounced in the Nov, 25 issue. And nomination forms will be printed in each issue. So what are you waiting for? Get thinking about that special coach that’s helped you get to where you are today. — Northmen hand out hardware > By DAVID D. HULL THE: TERRACE, Northmen . Rugby Footbalf Club wrapped up the 1998 season with an awards dinner and dance Saturday, Oct, 10, Under -swaying palms (fake cnes) with the strains of the steel guitar wafting through the Terrace Inn, the Hawaiian theme banquet was a huge success capping off a very successful year of Rugby in Terrace. The south seas theme was chosen as the kick off for the planning of the Northmen’s 1999 ‘End of the Millennium Tour’’ to Hawaii next October. Some of the significant successes of the year were outlined in a brief opening address from club president, Malcolm Smith. “The foundation of women’s ragby in Terrace club to have them become part of the Northmen pro- gram. was momentous and very gratifying’? said Smith, “The men’s club had a great year on the field win- ning the league. and the Smither’s Seven-a-Side Tournament and putting up a very strong showing at the William’s Lake Stampede Tourna- ment?” Smith said, “The women’s progress for the year was nothing short of remarkable, from their grass roots start to competing in two tourna- ” ments with great results and playing very well against much more expericuced and larger competition from, Rupert (Swallows) and Smithers (Humpies), during exhibition games,” I presented men’s team captain George DaCosta with the Dr. R.D. “Dale” Greenwood Cup, blematic of. supremacy in the North Coast Rugby Union. ‘The cup had a hor- experience having spent a year in Prince Rupert in the hands of the Seamen after their rare Icague victory in 1997, but now it has been retumed to ‘its more traditional home,” ‘commented DaCosta in ac- cepting the trophy on behalf of the men’s side. As usual the highlight of the evening was the award- em- . HANGING ON: The Narthmen hit the Northwest College field this summer during a successful rugby season. ing of Ihe Club trophies and awards commemorating the conclusion of another sea- . SON, and the acceptance of the — The playing awards were handed out first, Ben Soucie was presented with the American Express Elan Travel Most Valuable Player trophy. Ben had a tremendous year on the field and the award is most deserving. He played hard, lead by ex- ample and really made the difference, The Most Improved Player award went to a veteran player Pedro Rego who experienced tremendous resurgence on the field in all aspects of the game. The Rookie of the Year award is presented to the cream of the crop playing in his first year with the senior men’s side, Neil Hailey, who is currently away at .. University in the U.S, was named this year’s winner, The Under 19 Most Im- proved Player Award went to Dylan R.A. Wolnowski, Dylan came out as the youngest and one of the smallest players of all the high school boys and im- proved greatly through out the season. Dylan’s future in rugby looks very proralsing. The. first-ever awards for the women’s side were pre- sented with great emotion and enthusiasm from the crowd. The first award was the Most Valuable Player pre- sented to Terri "Truck" Gor- don. Terri, as all the women were this year, came out a Taw rookie and quickly de- veloped good basic skills and leadership on the ficld which made her an invalu- able assct to the women’s team. Gordon stayed on stage to help present the balance of the women’s awards. The Most Improved Player award went to Bar- bara ‘Barb E, Dall’? Essay. Barb. improved at a rapid pace during the season and showed a great rugby spirit. All the women players present then came, forward to thank a number of the men who helped them get Started this ycar with coach- ing and instructing, The balance of the team were thanked for helping and making the women feel welcome and part of the team, The women then bad a special gift and thank you for their “rugby mentor" who took them under his wing and guided them through their first year, Willie McCleary. was pre- sented with a gift for ali his efforts. The most coveted and emotional presentation of _ the evening was the award- ‘ing of the "Brian Kormendy Memorial Trophy", This year the Northmen recog- nized Doug "Mookie" Wil- ‘son for his help and devo- tion to the Northmen Rugby Club. The Brian Kormendy Memorial Trophy is pre- sented each year to an indi- vidual who bas shown a consistent and unwavering devotion to the club and has exuded that passion with demonstrative efforts. - This was the contribution Brian Kormendy gave to the club and Doug has in the past, and continues to offer, of himself to the club. For that the club is truly thankful. Wilson accepted the award from Marianne and Derek Kormendy to a standing ovation. The final bit of the formai- ities wrapped up with clos- ing remarks from president Smith thanking everyone who has helped make rugby ‘possible for the last 28 years in Terrace, The support of the com- munity, the media, businesses , who never hesitate to help us out, and the club members, players, alumni and supporters is what continues to make our club one of the most suc- cessful sporting groups in the Northwest. For that we are truly thankful and deep- ly indebted,”’ The Northmen wrapped up the evening with merri- , ment and frivolity and dane: ’ ing to the wee hours. The Northmen will take a hiatus for a few months and will resume activity with the Christmas Day ‘Snow Bow!’ at noon at Skeena fleld. . The annual general meet- ing will be held Super Bowl Sunday just prior to the game at a site to be an- nounced. Spring training and rookie camps will begin in March. Sports Scope | Drag racing THE TERRACE Drag Race Association will be holding its annual gener- al meeting and election of officers on at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at Elks Hall, For more information contact Dennis at 635- 7726 or Emie at 635- 7220. Ski swap SHAMES MOUNTAIN ski club and the Canadian Ski Patrol are co-sponsoring the annual ski swap Oct, 23-24. Drop off your equip- ment on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the arena banquet room. There will be no sales on Fri- day night. The doors open Satur- day moming at 9 a.m. and Cash or cheques will be accepted. Pick up your unsold equipment at 3 p.m. Sat- urday. A 20 per cent fee will be charged on all sales. Curlers wanted GRAB YOUR broom and curling gear this winter and sign up tof - curl on Sundays. The Sunday Mixed Curling League is registrating individuals or teams for their fun curling league. Beginners or experi- enced curlers are wel- come. Contact Lynn Tryon at 638-2044 or the curling rink at 635-5583 for more information. Water-polo plans THE TERRACE Water Polo Association is holding their annual general meeting tomor- row at 8 p.m in the Aquatic Centre meeting room. All members and for- mer players or anyone interested in the sport are invited to elect of- ficers and make plans for the ypcoming season, Call Steve Dotto at 638- 1395 for more informa- lion. Special Olympics REGISTER for special olympics Friday at the Skeena Mall between 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. For more information call Jo at 635-7936, He shoots, he scores HOCKEY . LEGENDS Guy Lafleur and Tiger Williams will battle Kitimat’s Allstars hock- cy team at Tamitik Arena Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. as part of the Oldtimers’ Hockey Challenge, The challenge is part of 60-cily North Amer- ican tour All proceeds for the Oldtimers’ Hock- cy Challenge go to the Kitimat/Terrace Crimestoppers program. Single and family-of four tickets are available now for $16 or $48 by calling 1-800-661-0178. 2 a # 2 e, & fF. ® oge a a é Le a * ft ‘. :. ‘4 a « k a fo . Fr yy ao ® . a at *