2022 Camp Classic Weekend Welcomes Back the Sertoman Mariucci Fest

Confidence Learning Center (AKA Camp Confidence) hosted the 49th Golf Classic and 39th Fishing Classic with amazing success and brought back the popular Sertoman Mariucci Fest. These longstanding events were blessed with amazing weather and full rosters for both golf and fishing.

Each year the Camp Classic events is the third weekend of June, which also falls on Father’s Day weekend. After a full day of incredible golfing at The Classic at Madden’s, we welcomed back participants and Camp supporters to gather at Confidence Learning Center to celebrate the legend John Mariucci at the Sertoman Mariucci Fest. We were honored to continue the new tradition of the Camp Fishing Classic Ron Lindner Memorial, which is given to a person in the community who is a constant walking ambassador for the programs of Confidence Learning Center. This year, we were honored to award this to Jack Merzenich. This annual award will be given to a person who has attended Camp, a person that loves Camp, and a person that is a shining ambassador for the experiences at Camp. This award is a tribute to a legend, Mr. Ron Lindner. Ron was not only a legendary fisherman, but he was a walking ambassador for the programs at Camp. Ron was a true example to other fisherman on ways to continue to support Confidence Learning Center through our Camp Fishing Classic, as well as, in other tournaments throughout the year and even fishing outings with our Campers—such as Fishing Has No Boundaries.

The Golf Classic also gave out a very special award, the Camp Classic Ambassador Award. This year’s recipient was Angie Nelson—a local Community Member whose dedication to not just Confidence Learning Center, but to the non-profits in the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond is impeccable.

The event continued with an online auction that ran on June 16th-17 that boasted over 200 prizes! There was something for everyone!

The weekend was wrapped up with the Fishing Classic celebration after a great day on the Gull Lake waters. Another special award was given to Nate Blasing for being an outstanding Camp Fishing Classic Ambassador. “The Campers really were the winners this weekend – although there are bragging rights that definitely will be heard,” Sarah Smith, Marketing & Event Director stated. “A huge thank you to all the sponsors, staff, participants, volunteers, Sertoman members, and supporters of this great event.”

The Camp Classic event is held the third weekend in June every year, and is the largest in-house fundraiser hosted by Confidence Learning Center; a 501c3 nonprofit located on Sylvan Lake, it is an outdoor education/recreation experience serving people of all ages with cognitive and physical disabilities.

Award list to follow. 2022 Golf Awards:

The Classic Over-All:

First Place: Edward Jones Team; Kole Bendsen, Jeff Brever, Josh Grossman, Travis Grossman

Second Place Team: Precision Tool Team; Jim Georges, Dave LePage, Mark Sandelin, Pat Wiebusch

Third Place Team: Winegar Dental Team; Pete Dahl, Joe Reed, Adam Kalenberg, Brandon Pound

Closest to the Pin #2: Karen Johnston, Ken Thomas

Longest Drive, Woman #1: Christy Winegar

Longest Drive, Men #13: Brandon Pound

Closest to Pin #14: Dean Wieber, Heather Bender

Longest Putt #18: Mark Pietig

Skins: The Teehive Team; Jerad Clough, Jack Freeman, Sam Gaerets, Jared Hoppe

2022 Fishing Classic Awards:

Awards are given in four divisions within the tournament based on a total of three fish per division; each team is listed with a guide and two participants:

Each winning team is listed by Guide first, then participants

Mixed Bag Division (with one walleye, one bass & one northern)

First Place: Tony Roach, Cunningham, Aleckson; 14.51lb bag

Bass Division

First Place: Mason Green, Alford, Blankenhagen; 10.21lb bag LUNKER: Ted Anderson, Burr, Burr; 19”, 4.02lb Bass

Pike Division

First Place: Bill Sherck, Sherck, Sherck; 17.25lb bag LUNKER: Bill Sherck, Sherck, Sherck 34.5” 10.43lb Northern Pike

Walleye Division:

First Place: Matt Newell, Wohler, Fevold 16.33lb bag

LUNKER: Jon Stolski, Wicktar, Bedell 29.5”, 9.59lb Walleye