Auburn , Calif. – The past two weeks has been one of the busiest periods of my life that I can remember. Since winning the Bassmaster Classic on February 22 nd I have been on fast forward. The amount of media I have done since lifting that trophy over my head as been staggering, I've done television, radio, print, Internet, pod casts and any other media you could think of.
With all of the activity, I've barely had a moment to allow the fact that I had won the Classic to register in my mind, but the response from family, friends and fans has been amazing, and is really helping the fact sink into my brain.
I honestly don't know what to say to all of you out there for the amount of phone calls and emails that have come in since the Classic; thank you just doesn't seem to cut it. My phone and email accounts have literally been exploding, and from our closest friends, to people I've never met have sent me the nicest messages, and I wanted to officially say thank you to everyone.
Besides winning the Classic, the one thing that made the whole experience even more special was the fact that I got to share it with Kim and my girls. They've been a giant part of all of the successes of my career, and to share the stage and this win with them is a moment I will never forget.
To all of our close friends who came to Shreveport to help with the SRI booth, I'm glad I could share this with you too. And to everyone else at home who makes it easier on us while chasing excellence in this career, while you weren't able to be there in person, you were with us in spirit. You all are like family to us, and it wouldn't be the same without you.
For my sponsors, I wouldn't be where I am today in this profession without you, the support and friendship throughout the years has been something I don't take for granted; thank you for sharing in this with me, and for helping make it possible.
Winning the Classic has been one of the goals I've wanted to accomplish since I started fishing Bassmaster tournaments so many years ago, and to have been able to say that I've accomplished it is an amazing feeling. Winning the Angler of the Year title in 2007 was my first priority, as I've always felt that the Angler of the Year trophy meant that I'd been at the top of my game for an entire season.
The Bassmaster Classic was an entirely different goal for me, as the Classic is recognized as the single biggest event in the sport. Winning this tournament is rewarding because it puts me in a very select group, in 39 years, there have been only 34 different anglers win the Classic. When I think about the amount of competitors who have sought the title over the years, and to be a part of the small group of anglers to have won it is humbling.
Even more humbling is the fact that only 10 other anglers have won both the Angler of the Year and Bassmaster Classic titles . To have my name be on the same list as the likes of Kevin VanDam , Denny Brauer, Mark Davis, David Fritts, Larry Nixon, Hank Parker, Davy Hite, Mike Iaconelli, Jay Yelas and Rick Clunn is something I could have only imagined in my wildest dreams.
Winning the Classic has only stoked my fire to want to win at the highest levels. Being among the list of names above might make one think I might become complacent, but it has only made me want to push harder to stay on top. The season opener is only a few days away and I can't wait to get to Lake Amistad and get started.
All of the well wishes and support that have been sent make me know that there are so many people who are watching and wishing for me to do well; your messages have meant so much to Kim and I, and I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to express your thoughts to us.
Thank you so much,
Skeet
