Bryan Victor Kerchal, the 1994 Bass Masters Classic Champion, had hoped to use the celebrity gained in his Classic victory to promote fishing as a wholesome activity for youngsters and to do what he could to enable any kids interested in the sport to have the opportunity to participate in it. Tragically, Bryan was killed just 136 days into his reign as Classic Champion, on December 13, 1994, in the crash of American Eagle Flight 3379. He was 23 years old at the time of his death.

Bryan's parents, Ray and Ronnie Kerchal, have set up a fund to honor their son's memory, and to further his ambition to share the sport he loved with the next generation of anglers and potential anglers. Numerous bass clubs affiliated with the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society have dedicated fund raising efforts and tournaments to raising money for this fund.

Additionally, Ray Kerchal has brought to fruition Bryan's plan to market the "fish whistle" that he had become strongly identified with during his brief career, but as the "Bryan Kerchal Memorial Fish Whistle", with all proceeds going to the fund.

B.A.S.S. Federation Division Director, Don Corkran, and Bryan's parents, along with the love of his life, Suzanne Dignon, serve as directors for the fund. Corporate and individual contributions to the fund are encouraged, and correspondence should be addressed to the fund at: