MIFFLINTOWN — A dawn launch on the Juniata River will carry more meaning than usual this spring, as anglers gather not only to compete, but to honor a man whose life on the water and in area youth sports left a lasting mark on the Juniata Valley.

The First John K. Wolfe Memorial Bass Tournament, set for Saturday, April 4, is being organized in memory of a fisherman, mentor and community supporter whose sudden passing in May 2025 left friends and families searching for a way to celebrate the impact he made.

To those who spent time with him, John K. “Wolfy” Wolfe was as much a part of the river as the bass he chased. He was an avid fisherman, a familiar face at launches up and down the Juniata and a longtime host of bass tournaments that brought anglers together in friendly, competitive spirit. He knew the bends, the currents, the deep pockets and the stories that came with them. But beyond the fishing itself, Wolfe was known for his generosity, his humor and his belief that young people deserved every opportunity to grow through sports and mentorship.

It was an evening tradition for Wolfe to walk his dog, Otis, after work around the Mifflintown Boat Launch, coined “June’s” by many after the old diner.

“You’d see him down there around 4:30 to 5 p.m. after work,” said tournament organizer Cole Nearhood, of Mifflintown. The two men were close friends and Nearhood was shocked by the Port Royal man’s death.

Wolfe made his wishes clear long before anyone imagined they would need to be carried out. “John told me, if you ever have any benefit tournaments for me, make sure the money goes to kids,” Nearhood recalled. “That was who he was. Fishing was his passion, but helping kids was his purpose.”

Wolfe’s dedication to young athletes extended far beyond the river.

“John helped to construct the Juniata Wrestling Club building, while his son Justin was in the high school wrestling program. When I saw the picture of him on the wall at the wrestling club, I knew donating to youth sports would be a great way to pay tribute to him,” Nearhood explained. “John didn’t know much about wrestling at first but he was supportive of the club and was his son’s biggest fan.

“He also loved watching both his sons, Ben and Justin, play baseball,” Nearhood added. “I’m hoping to have successful tournaments in future years as well so we can make donations to other youth sports organizations in his name.”

In keeping with Wolfe’s final wishes, half of all proceeds from the memorial tournament will be donated to the Juniata Wrestling Club. The remaining funds will go toward payouts for the anglers, following the same structure Wolfe used when he ran tournaments himself.

The tournament’s entry fee is $80 per boat, with two anglers permitted per team. Participants may launch from any point on the Juniata River, and fishing boundaries will stretch from the Route 75 bridge to Newton Hamilton. Lines go in at 7 a.m., and weigh-ins will close at 3:30 p.m.

Payouts will be awarded to first through third place, along with the Lunker prize, with 50 percent of entry fees returning to the anglers. Tournament rules include a one-pound penalty for each dead fish, and ties will be broken by the biggest bass. Entry fees must be paid before launch, and organizers expect a smooth, well-run event that reflects the standards Wolfe upheld for years.

In addition to the fishing competition, several raffles will be held at the end of the day, including a fishing rod and various baits. These small touches, Nearhood said, are meant to reflect Wolfe’s generosity and his love for sharing the sport with others. “John touched a lot of people,” he said. “This is a way to keep his memory alive and do something good in the process.”

For many anglers, the tournament will be a chance to remember the man who taught them how to read the river, who shared tips and who celebrated every big catch, even when it wasn’t his own. For others, especially the young wrestlers who might never have met him, the event will quietly shape their future through the support it provides to their club.

Wolfe’s legacy, Nearhood said, is one built on kindness, mentorship, and a deep love for the outdoors. “He believed in kids. He believed in giving them a chance. This tournament is just one more way he’s still doing that.”

As boats idle in the morning fog on April 4, the river will feel familiar yet different — carrying not just the anticipation of competition, but the memory of a man who spent countless hours on its waters and countless more helping young people find their footing. The tournament stands as both a tribute and a continuation of the work Wolfe cared about most.

“Wolfy was a pretty simple guy he didn’t like much attention,” Nearhood said. “He loved spending time with his family and being in the outdoors doing things such as hunting, fishing and gardening.”

For more information or to register, call or text Nearhood at (717) 513-5769.