A Race to the Finish!

 

    Hello Bergen members!  It's hard to believe but the final points event of the season is quickly approaching and I have to think back to 1993 for the last time the Angler of the Year race has been so tight.  Back then, Joe Buzzetta, Greg Trass, and Pat VanWettering were all tied heading into the last event.  This year, the top 4 anglers are separated by only 5 points and so it's anyone's race to be won.  Once again, Pat is in the thick of things looking for his first Top Angler prize.  He has lead for nearly the entire year and despite a couple of tough outings at Greenwood and the CT River, he has caught enough fish to fend off his challengers. Andy Karcich has been consistent all year and added in a few top 5 finishes to find himself only 1 point back heading into the Mohawk River.  Andy too is looking for his first Angler of the Year title.  Perennial challenger to for the top spot and prior winner, Steve Rusert is only 2 points back and has also recorded the most weight thus far this season with just over 46 pounds.  Lastly,  the man with 1000 lives, John Hayden remains within striking distance, only 5 points back.  At times John appeared to be having a rough tournament only to pull out a big smallie and take lunker (Greenwood) or scrape up a few fish to hang in there (Lilly).  Regardless, the relative newcomer to the club is certainly holding his own with the veterans.  It should be an exciting weigh-in at Schoharie Creek!       

    Angler of the year is not the only exciting race to the finish.  The top non boater race is still up for grabs although Bob Murph put a strangle hold on it with a strong finish at Greenwood.  Bob leads the charging Steve Schilling by just 6 points.  Also, the top rookie award is also still up for grabs.  Lou Zhelesnik, despite missing a couple events, still holds a slim lead on Larry Fadil.  Four points separate these two rookies. 

    With the announcement that next year's team tournament is planned for Champlain at Ticonderoga, an added bit of excitement and anticipation was added to the importance of the standings.  Guys are jockeying to see who will be boaters for next years event and the who will make the top 12 with a guaranteed spot on either Bergen or Metro for next year.  It is expected that with this popular location, it will not be difficult to fill out 12 spots on the two teams and alternates will not likely go down past 15th or 16th place. 

   So much drama, so much on the line, so much anticipation.  What a fitting way to bring to a close a season that has, in my opinion, been one of the better ones in recent years.  Good luck to those in the running!

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