WASHINGTON, D.C. — An Altoona native was recently honored by Bass Pro Shops.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies announced that Ryan Roberts, Senior Program Manager for the National Fish Habitat Partnership, was recognized as the 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year by Bass Pro Shops.

Roberts, a 1996 Altoona Area High School graduate who now lives in Maryland, was presented the award by Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist, Johnny Morris, at Bass Pro Shops’ annual Christmas luncheon in Springfield, Mo. More than 1,000 guests and Outfitters were present at the event in December.

“It’s an honor to recognize Ryan for the outstanding work he and the whole team at National Fish Habitat Partnership do to conserve our nation’s waterways,” Morris said. “Through more than 1,500 conservation projects across all 50 states, they’ve helped reconnect thousands of miles of rivers and streams and protected vital habitat. Their efforts are strengthening fisheries and ensuring a brighter future for everyone who loves the outdoors. We’re proud to honor Ryan for his passion, hard work and commitment to conservation.”

The Conservation Partner of the Year Award is given to individuals who exemplify the ideals of conservation leadership and complement Bass Pro Shops’ mission to inspire people to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.

“Ryan is a true leader on national issues related to fish habitat conservation and fisheries policy, putting priority conservation projects on-the-ground through partnerships,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “The Association is thrilled to see Ryan honored for his passion in conservation and his work with the National Fish Habitat Partnership to leave a conservation legacy for the protection, restoration and enhancement of fish habitat for future generations to enjoy in the outdoors.”

Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association added “I am so very happy for the due recognition of Ryan’s long-standing leadership and vision in support of the National Fish Habitat Partnership. Ryan is the consummate professional, and this recognition by Johnny Morris and the Bass Pro Shops team, validates Ryan’s humble service to fisheries conservation.”

Swimmers miss out

LEWISBURG — The Hollidaysburg Area High School girls swim team had four entries in Friday’s first day of the PIAA Class 2A Swimming and Diving Championships, and all four missed advancing out of the preliminaries.

Hollidaysburg senior Margaret Bandstra had the highest finish with a 19th place in the 200-yard individual medley at Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium. Bandstra’s time was 2 minutes, 17.67 seconds.

Hollidaysburg junior Addison Smith swam a 2:03.27 in the 200 freestyle and earned the 29th best time.

The Hollidaysburg girls 200 medley relay team of Bandstra, Smith, Jackie Bevan and Kiri Dougherty finished in 28th place with a time of 1:56.89, and the Lady Tigers’ 200 freestyle relay team of Smith, Dougherty, Bevan and Madalyn Brick was 31st with a 1:46.78.

Bandstra will swim Saturday in the 100 breaststroke, where she is seeded ninth. The Tyrone boys 400 freestyle relay team of Cameron Gallagher, Lucas Bonsell, Owen Dunklebarger and Patrick Van Kluenen will also compete Saturday.

Sneath recognized

Madison Sneath, a Juniata Valley High School graduate, was a member of the Lebanon Valley College indoor track and field team this past winter season.

Sneath competed in the 400, 800 and 1500 runs for LVC, which won the Middle Atlantic Conference title, finishing first in the 16-team field.