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| FishTails |
President's Message
[December 30, 2003] - by John Burdette, President, West Virginia BASS Federation
As I sit here reflecting back over 2003 what impresses me most is the number of events the WVBF held and or participated.
Considering six Buddy Trail events, three State Qualifiers and State Championship, Youth Tournament, Junior Qualifier,
Junior Divisional, Junior National, Fun Tournament, Bass Festival, four federation meetings, two outdoor shows,
annual banquet, Governor's Youth Challenge, National Hunting and Fishing Day, Eastern Divisional, Federation Championship,
Bass Master Classic, CastingKid's events, Vegetation project with DNR and Columbia Gas, Guiding national U.S. Army
Corp of Engineer personnel at Stonewall Jackson, published four newsletters and maintained a website, I think everyone
would agree we had a very productive year. Thanks to all federation directors, board members, club members and
sponsors that helped make these events happen. The 2004 schedule is printed in this issue and I invite every federation
member to take part in next year's events.
As most of you are already aware Don Corkran is once again our Federation Director. I'm pleased to report that
BASS/ESPN has been following through with the commitments made to the federation at the Classic. Most of you have
probably noticed the additional press and recognition the federation has been getting in Bassmaster magazine and
Bass Times as well as the federation spots on ESPN2. Bass is also excited about a new redesign of Bassmaster Magazine
we will see starting with the January 2004 issue. Part of the redesign is a dedicated Federation Notes page that
will highlight federation activities and will include a calendar of important federation activities from around
the globe. The December Bass Times will have an article informing chapters about the section and encouraging them
to submit ideas. Be sure to check out the article on the creation of the Bass Superfund in the November issue of
Bass Times on page 11. The Superfund will help fund federation conservation projects. BASS/ESPN has announced the
Bush Shootout for 2004 in which the Federation will be eligible to compete, see press release on Bassmaster.com.
Also, I will be attending a president's meeting in Atlanta on November 22-23, with BASS/ESPN to develop a five-year
plan for the federation. All expenses including airfare will be paid by BASS/ESPN. I'm sure I will be able to update
you more on the progress of the federation program when I return from the Atlanta meeting. I think most would agree
that BASS/ESPN is working in good faith to meet the commitments made at the Classic in early August.
Congratulations to Eric Stewart of Midstate Bassmasters for winning the 2003 Central Qualifier and State Championship.
The last and I think only angler to win the Qualifier and State Championship in the same year was Russ Smarr. Russ
went on to win the Eastern Divisional and was the top angler in the Eastern Division at the Federation Championship
earning him a berth in the Bassmaster Classic. So Eric, we expect you to accomplish everything Russ did with one
exception and that is we expect you to win the Classic. No pressure just positive thinking. Easy for me to say,
right!
Also, congratulations to Tim Isaacs of A & B Bassmasters for qualifying for the 2004 Federation Championship
at the 2003 Eastern Divisional held in September on Lake Champlain in Vermont. The Federation Championship will
be held April 19-25, 2004 on Lake Keystone near Tulsa, OK. Good luck Tim and yes we expect you to qualify for the
2004 Classic on Lake Wylie and win it as well. Just think as Classic Champ you will get an automatic berth in the
2005 Classic where you will be fishing against Eric. Just remember you have to let him win.
Well, it's getting late as if you couldn't already tell. I wish all of you and your families a most thankful Thanksgiving
and very Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year. Until next time-good fishing and God bless.
-John |
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