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| Written by Administrator |
| Sunday, 22 February 2009 23:02 |
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On June 8, 2008, Jeremy Starks stunned the professional fishing world. That day on Wheeler Lake in northern Alabama – the final day of the $100,000 first-prize Southern Challenge tournament – Starks took on and defeated Kevin VanDam, a four-time Professional Angler-of-the-Year and the man often called the “Tiger Woods of bass fishing.” Starks’ 21 pounds, 15 ounce bag was eight ounces better than VanDam. A new star was born: Jeremy Starks, of Charleston, West Virginia. That victory placed Starks squarely in the national spotlight, earning him one weekend’s worth of media coverage – print media within and outside the fishing industry, television and Internet – valued at more than $500,000. His “advertising value” for 2008, through the August completion of the ESPN Bass Elite Series, was roughly $1.2 million. Jeremy in 2009 will embark on his fourth year on the Elite Series tour, the highest profile, most respected professional fishing tour in the world. Jeremy has earned a reputation on the tour as a no-nonsense, fierce competitor. Competing against the world’s best anglers, Jeremy has landed in the money 19 times, including five Top 20 finishes, two in the Top 10. He looks to have a stellar year in 2009. He has also impressed ESPN officials and fellow competitors with his quick wit and his ability to liven up most any interview. On Sunday afternoon, network analysts said Starks showdown in Alabama with VanDam created the most exciting day of competition in 2008. As well-known as Jeremy Starks has become for his Elite Series success, he is almost as popular for his efforts off the water. He shows fierce loyalty to sponsors. And his close ties to his primary sponsor, Friends of Coal, have presented numerous opportunities for high-profile public appearances. Jeremy is known throughout the state of West Virginia in part because he’s the state’s only Elite Series angler in a state that follows pro fishing closely. But he is also known because of his Friends of Coal commercials, especially one that features Jeremy and a group of children fishing on a pristine mountain stream. Jeremy’s profile in the Mountain State is high and positive. He spends much of his time traveling the state talking with adult and youth groups about fishing, “outdoor” activities generally and how West Virginia industries, especially coal companies, are working toward improving the environment while still supplying needed jobs. In fact, Jeremy’s public appearances and his work became notorious enough that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin has asked the angler to help promote clean water initiatives in the state. Jeremy has accompanied the governor to several events, including an appearance on the 50 yard line for the “coin flip” prior to last fall’s nationally televised Marshall University-West Virginia University football game. Jeremy’s work with Friends of Coal is poised to “go national.” Several other states – including Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Wyoming - have inquired about the phenomenal success of West Virginia’s Friends of Coal campaign. They have all expressed interest in utilizing Jeremy Starks’ pro career and his Friends of Coal efforts. |
| Last Updated on Monday, 23 February 2009 12:21 |