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IT'S BEEN A MEMORABLE YEAR
FOR BASS FISHING
ESPN Purchase, Multi-Sponsorships,
Rojas' Streak Highlight Season
NEW ORLEANS, La. --- July 26, 2001 - As
the 31st annual BASS Masters Classic approaches, the sport's
biggest tournament and celebration provides the perfect opportunity
to reflect back on the memorable year that the BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail has enjoyed.
The past year just might rank as the most
remarkable in the history of B.A.S.S.
The highlight of the year has to be the
purchase of B.A.S.S., Inc. by the Worldwide Leader in Sports,
ESPN, in April. Having ESPN provide the momentum behind the future
of professional bass fishing has infected everyone associated
with the sport with a renewed excitement about the future.
"This is very exciting for B.A.S.S.,
our membership and our sport," B.A.S.S. Executive Vice President
and General Manager Helen Sevier said. "We are thrilled
to team with an organization such as ESPN that has extensive
multi-media resources, enormous promotional power and a track
record for growing properties."
"I'm excited for the future of the
sport..." added Ray Scott, B.A.S.S. founder and now a product
consultant for Triton Boats, an official Classic sponsor. "With
ESPN's commitment to outdoor programming, and its highly visible
promotional means, the opportunities to grow the interest and
advertising support for bass fishing has never been brighter."
ESPN officials didn't wait long to offer
a glimpse of the future when they announced plans to provide
same-day coverage approximately 30 minutes after the end of competition
all three days of the Classic - as well as updates from the launch
site during the ESPN Outdoors programming Saturday morning on
ESPN2. This is ground-breaking coverage for fishing's biggest
event.
The outdoor community has strongly responded
to the ESPN involvement as well. For the first time in its 33-year
history, B.A.S.S. is enjoying multiple boat and outboard sponsors,
beginning with this summer's Classic.
Skeeter and Triton are the official boats
of the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail, while Yamaha joined longtime
sponsor Mercury as the officially licensed outboard motors of
the oldest and most prestigious professional fishing circuit
in the world. In addition, Bass Cat and G3 boat companies are
associate sponsors of the tour.
"The recent acquisition of B.A.S.S.
by ESPN will expand on B.A.S.S.' already reputable media capabilities,
thus creating new venues through which Mercury engines can be
showcased," said John Hoagland, Mercury's vice president
of marketing. "We'll love the increased national visibility
for our brand, and frankly, I believe this new B.A.S.S. platform
will allow our product lines to shine."
This was also a year when reigning Classic
champion Woo Daves traveled around the world and proved to be
one of the sport's most popular champions. Daves was also honored
by NASCAR at the NAPA 500 race in Atlanta.
On the water, Mark Davis captured his third
B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year award, but his heroics were overshadowed
by the sensational season enjoyed by Dean Rojas. The Arizona
pro completely turned around a dreadful fall start on the BASSMASTER
Tour by winning two consecutive tournaments and finishing third
and second in the final events.
"It's just been an amazing year for
me," Rojas said. "I think back to how much I learned
reading BASSMASTER Magazine when I was 10 years old in my bed
at night with a flashlight. Just trying to pick up all the little
techniques that I could. I've been wanting to do this ever since
I was a little boy. A 13-year-old having a dream. When you watch
Kevin VanDam, Rick Clunn, Denny Brauer and Gary Klein on TV,
you just think 'Man, those guys are awesome.' Then all of a sudden,
I'm fishing against them. What can I say?"
Only a Classic championship could top Rojas'
spectacular season.
"I'm very excited about the Classic,"
he said. "I like all of the momentum I have going in. It's
the greatest show on Earth. It's everything you ever thought
it would be and more. And I couldn't ask to be going in it any
better than I am right now - full of confidence, fishing well
and making good decisions. I want to win it."
On Aug. 2-4, the 45 Classic contenders
will be fishing for a $100,000 top prize and the most important
title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the high-water mark
in professional fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded
past winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings.
The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail.
By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments
worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization.
The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious
pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the
standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship
after more than three decades. B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary
of ESPN.
The BASS Masters Classic is a week-long
celebration for those who love the sport of bass fishing. Notable
activities during the 2001 Classic Week in New Orleans include
the Kids Klassic which takes place on Wednesday, August 1st at
Lafreniere Park. The event is highlighted by a Meet the Pros
autograph session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Kids Klassic takes
place from 9 a.m. to noon.
Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic
include: Chevrolet Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards,
Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine,
Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kumho Tires,
Long John Silvers, Gore-Tex Outwear, MotorGuide Trolling Motors,
Bass Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle
& Boat Insurance, B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.
Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats,
G3 Boats
The 2001 BASS Masters Classic is presented
locally in conjunction with: the State of Louisiana, Jefferson
Parish Tourism and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.
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