West Virginia BASS Federation President John Burdette Honored by B.A.S.S.
[August 2, 2002] - (Birmingham, AL)

WV BASS Federation President, John Burdette

West Virginia Bass Federation President John Burdette of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was recently bestowed one of the nation's highest honors for bass fisherman by the Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society National Federation. Burdette was named the prestigious National B.A.S.S. Federation Member-of-the-Year for 2002 during festivities surrounding the BassMasters Classic July 26 in Birmingham, Alabama.

"You could have knocked me over with a feather when they told me." Said Burdette of learning of the honor. "I didn't even know I was nominated."

Members-of-the-Year candidates are nominated from more than 50,000 members of the National B.A.S.S. Federation. The Federation has chapters in 47 states and five foreign countries. Nominees are selected based on their contribution to improving bass fishing, natural resource conservation, and encouragement of youth angling in their respective state or country.

Burdette has been a member of the West Virginia Bass Federation Board of Directors since 1992 and served as president of the organization since 1995. An avid bass fisherman, Burdette is a top competitor on the West Virginia Bass Federation Buddy Trail Tournament Circuit and a previous qualifier for the B.A.S.S. Federation National Championship.

The letter of nomination for Burdette as Member-of-the-Year says volumes about his character and dedication to bass fishing and conservation of the state's natural resources.

"John has routinely sacrificed his time, money, and often his pride to insure protection of B.A.S.S. integrity and to keep the West Virginia Federation in the good graces of all."

"Burdette has shown unwavering leadership in many crucial situations. His diligence in standing by B.A.S.S. by-laws, Federation tournament rules, and state fishing regulations by all Federation members has been dogged."

"To serve as head of this organization, one must be a writer, accountant, bookkeeper, secretary, computer genius, negotiator, peacemaker, environmentalist, conservationist, public speaker, janitor, cook, lackey, and at times a lap dog. These qualities must also be separate from abilities as a good angler. Burdette has worn all of those hats and performed at a level unequaled in the history of our federation."

"John is an excellent example of a top-notched Federation president." Notes Al Smith, National Federation Director for B.A.S.S./ESPN. "He's always concerned about his Federation and he always sees the big picture. John is one of those guys who never stands up and screams and hollers while pounding his fist on a table. He's always trying to work out a positive end and he's exactly what we need."

"I really don't deserve this." Says a humble Burdette. "Like I've told so many people who've congratulated me this week, I'm lucky to have a lot of good people in my Federation who are willing to work hard. They make me look good."

Burdette, who's a self-employed accountant, was nominated for the award without his knowledge. He admits had he heard about the plan he would have not allowed it.

"In hindsight that would have been a mistake." Notes Burdette. "This award gives the West Virginia Bass Federation the national recognition it deserves. It's an award for all of us, not just me."

CONTACT:
John Burdette
W.Va. Bass Fed. President
304-472-3600

Jim Matuga
WVBass.com
304-292-6301

Al Smith
National Fed. Dir.
B.A.S.S./ESPN
334-272-3341