VanDam officially crowned Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year

Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., was officially crowned 2001 Land O' Lakes Angler of the Year. The prestigious award is presented to the most conistent angler on the tour over the course of an entire season. VanDam, who scored an amazing 1,105 points out of a possible 1,200, won $25,000 and a brand new Ranger boat. His picture will also appear on a collector's edition Kellogg's cereal box. Photo by Gary Mortenson. Angler: Kevin VanDam.

June 22, 2001 • Gary Mortenson • Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit

Burnett captures Co-Angler of the Year title

DETROIT – Scoring an amazing 1,105 points out of a possible 1,200, Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., stormed his way to the prestigious 2001 Land O’ Lakes Angler of the Year title. VanDam, who was officially recognized for his achievement during today’s weigh in, took some time to reflect on his remarkable accomplishment.

“It’s been a great year. It’s a real honor,” said VanDam, who finished in 28th place during the Forrest Wood Open on Lake St. Clair this past week to sew up the victory. “A lot of these guys I competed against were the same guys I grew up watching as a kid. I’m really proud to be standing here right now.”

As Land O’ Lakes Angler of the Year, VanDam is recognized as the best, most consistent professional bass angler in the world. As a result of his accomplishment, VanDam received $25,000 in prize money plus a brand new Ranger 518 VX bass boat. VanDam’s likeness will also be featured on special collector’s edition of Kellogg’s cereal boxes.

Although the Angler of the Year title wasn’t officially secured until Thursday, VanDam virtually ran away with the award from the start of the season. VanDam began the year by placing second at the very first tournament on Lake Okeechobee. From there, he never looked back. The Kalamazoo native placed 29th at Pascagoula, 28th at Lake Martin, 12th at the Beaver Lake and grabbed another second-place finish on the Red River. Heading into the Lake St. Clair tournament, VanDam averaged better than 15th place over the course of the entire FLW tournament season – a remarkable feat by any measure given the fact that he competed against 175 of the nation’s best anglers each and every outing.

In the end, VanDam needed to finish 73rd place or higher at Lake St. Clair to secure victory. And as expected, he did it with relative ease.

“I respect the guys I fished against all year long,” said VanDam, who shared the moment with his wife and two boys. “It’s a really neat deal.”

Burnett continues to relish his “amateur” status

Wesley Burnett of Hot Springs, Ark., landed the Eagle Co-Angler of the Year title with an ninth-place finish on Lake St. Clair. Fresh off his first-place finish in the Co-Angler Division at the 2000 FLW Championship, Burnett said he couldn’t be more pleased with his performance.

“I’ve had a blessed year,” said Burnett, who used a stirring performance on Lake St. Clair this week to wrap up the title. “Since I was 9 years old, I’ve been dreaming of accomplishing something like this. It really feels good.”

For his accomplishment, Burnett will receive a Ranger R91 boat powered by Yamaha engine as well as priority entry into the Pro Division during the 2002 Wal-Mart FLW Tour.