Muzzy once again awarded it's annual Tall Man Award at this year's ATA show in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tall Man Award is one of the highest honors given within the archery industry and is the top honor handed out by Muzzy. Last year's recipient was Judy Kovar. With the bar set high by Muzzy and Kovar, Muzzy once again hit the nail right on the head with this year's recipients. The Tall Man Award is given to individuals that "stand tall" within the industry. More than just excellent archery skills are required to even be considered for this award by Muzzy. Commitment to the sport of archery, a dedication to preserving the bowhunting heritage and a willingness to help others achieve their dreams in the world of archery are just a few of the characteristics that Muzzy looks for before they name a Tall Man.
Jim and Lynne Frady of North Carolina fit all those character requirements by Muzzy and were named this year's Tall Man recipients. For those of us that count Jim and Lynne as close personal friends it is easy to know why they were chosen. With great dedication to each other, and to their team members, a great respect and commitment for their many sponsors, the Frady's simple do what they say they are going to do. However, the Frady's achieve their greatest joy by helping others, as a member of Team Frady I know first hand their commitment to the world of archery and to its team members and can easily understand why they deserve this award.
The Frady's actions are what speak loudest to those that are willing to listen, such as teaching archery and outdoor skills thru their "Outdoor Classroom" programs. The Frady's travel around North Carolina with an enclosed trailer to schools, camps, Boy Scouts of America, 4-H Clubs and NWTF's Jakes events. They also work with women thru the NWTF's Women In the Outdoor program and the Becoming an Outdoor Woman program.
"It's truly overwhelming to win such a prestigious honor," says Jim. "I just don't feel like we're in the same category as the people who've won this award in the past for the significant contributions they've made to hunting and shooting.
Michele Musacchia-Eichler, CEO of Muzzy Products, has been friends with Lynne and Jim for the past 12 years and says this couple is definitely worthy of the award. "I've never known two people more dedicated to passing on the bow-hunting heritage," Eichler says. "They do it out of a genuine love for the sport and wanting to share their passion. Their grassroots efforts are invaluable to the future of our sport.
