Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: John Ford, President
US Youth Fly Fishing Team, Inc.
P.O. 751 State College, PA 16804
STATE COLLEGE, PA– The USA Youth Fly Fishing Team, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of George Daniel as the new Head Coach for the Youth Team, effective March 1, 2022. George succeeds Kalvin Kaloz who retired from the position in December, 2021 after a multi-year run with the Youth Team. Kalvin was instrumental in developing the youth team to increase its national exposure, organizing the successful regional organizational structure, coaching the team to a medal in a number of championships, and reinventing the team program during the pandemic to ensure continuity for the youth anglers.
George has traveled the country conducting fly fishing clinics for various clubs, shows, groups and organizations, giving lectures and seminars. He was on the US Fly Fishing Team (Adult) from 2006 to 2010, a two-time US National champion (2007 and 2009), winner of the Fy Fishing Masters Tournament in 2007, and was ranked as high as 5th in the world. George is currently the director/lead instructor for the Pennsylvania State University Fly Fishing Program. George lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Amidea, who volunteers with the Youth Team Reel Girls program, and their two children. George was one of the first coaches of the Youth Team and has continued to be involved with the organization by providing instruction and coaching at many events. His return marks a new level of focus on excellence for the organization. George says, “I’m excited to once again coach the US Youth Fly Fishing Team. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with the next generation of fly fishers and lead them into national and international competitions. A lot of great changes have occurred within this organization since my last coaching assignment and I’m excited to be back. While I’m now officially named head coach, Tucker Horne and Brian Kimmel are training and leading this year’s group of anglers who will represent the US in the World Championship. I’ll assist the coaching staff as much as I can, but my focus will be working with the board to prepare and recruit team members for the 2023 cycle. I plan to slowly integrate myself into the organization this spring/early summer. I will take part in several virtual group chats with team members and involved families, attend upcoming clinics/seminars scheduled for this year, and help Tucker and Brian prepare for the World Youth Fly Fishing Championship. So please be patient as I slowly slip back into the head coaching role. I plan to be at full capacity after this year’s Youth World Championships in Italy.”
The USYFFT, Inc., is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Federal I.D. 26-1759674