After 15 years of handing out trophies and prizes to youngsters at the Ross Township Fishing Tournament, organizer Frank Zotter won the biggest prize of all July 17. In a move that was a surprise to Mr. Zotter, a retired Ross police sergeant, township commissioners dedicated the lake in Evergreen Park to his efforts over the years.

"Without Frank Zotter, there would be no fishing tournament," Commissioner Lana Mazur said.

After Mr. Zotter read the rules of the tournament, members of the Horcick family, who were in on the surprise, began yelling that a big, dangerous-looking fish was in the lake. Mrs. Mazur led Mr. Zotter to the side of the lake where friends, family and tournament participants, dressed in special T-shirts were waiting. Mr. Zotter still didn't "catch" on as friend and former fellow police officer Joe LaMonica told a "fish tale" on Mr. Zotter.

Then Mrs. Mazur told Mr. Zotter the news. "Frank, we are dedicating this lake after you. You have worked so hard over the years to make this event happen," she said. As they pulled a cover off a sign bearing the new name of the lake, Mr. Zotter's friends turned around to show him the special T-shirts noting the lake's new name. The crowd burst into applause. It was a move that left Mr. Zotter in tears and speechless.

After he recovered, he thanked everyone, especially Mrs. Mazur. "I'm so moved and everyone is thanking me, but she works harder than anyone," he said.

Mr. Zotter thanked individuals and families and shared hugs. "I didn't do this for the recognition," he said, "I did it for the kids."

Mr. Zotter said he started the tournament 15 years ago to give children something to do. "When I went to the commissioners, they told me it was a great idea, but they didn't have money in the budget," he said. He didn't let that deter him -- he went to community businesses and got sponsors. Annually, more than 250 attend the fishing tournament designated for children. The annual fishing tournament for older teens and adults was held July 18.

To stock the lake each year, Mr. Zotter goes on a fishing trip to a private pond with a handful of friends to catch fish. This year, they caught 800 fish in two trips and stocked the lake about three weeks before the event. The fish include blue gill, bass, walleye and perch. Fishing is permitted in the lake at times other than the tournament, but all the fish are catch and release.

The tournament is still sponsored by local businesses.

"[The businesses] have been so generous. We have prizes and trophies, then a big lunch," Commissioner Grace Stanko said.

"Everyone in Ross knows Sgt. Zotter," she said. "He has worked so many years and just wants the kids to have fun. This is a real honor for someone who has worked tirelessly for our township."

Pete Geis, director of parks and recreation for the township, agreed. "I have been here eight years and I started the department. Frank has been doing this longer than I've been around, which tells you something," he said.

Members of the Horcick family of Bunker Hill, W.Va., were drafted at the last minute to help Mrs. Mazur with the surprise, and they were delighted to take part. Eric and Sheri Horcick were here with their children to visit Mr. Horcick's mother, Suzanne Horcick of Ross, and this was the third time they have attended the tournament. "The boys love it and it is just a great day," Mr. Horcick, who grew up in Ross, said of his sons, Carl, 10, Steve, 8, and Ben, 5.

Mrs. Mazur was pleased with the outcome of the surprise. "After we passed the resolution a few weeks ago to honor Frank and name the lake after him, we had to keep it a surprise. Then we had to get his family and fishing buddies here and have them keep it a surprise," she said. "But it worked and it was worth it."

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.