State native to promote WV coal industry while on tour
Bassmaster Elite Series champion and Friend of Coal Jeremy Starks is ready to hit the professional fishing trail for the 2010 tournament season, which begins on March 11 at the “Duel in the Delta” in Stockton, California. He’s hoping Friends of Coal everywhere will wish him luck and follow his progress online at www.bassmaster.com or watch for him on ESPN 2’s The Bassmasters television program, airing Saturday mornings at 9 a.m.
“We’ll cover a lot of water, as well as a lot of ground, this season,” Starks said. “We kick off the season with two tournaments in California and then compete in 11 events in 8 other states between March and September. I’m hoping my friends in the Mountain State will root me on and wish me luck.”
Starks will be fishing from the “Friends of Coal” boat, which features vibrant, bright colors, the state capitol dome, fishing art and messages about clean coal power.
“I’m proud to have the opportunity to showcase West Virginia’s scenic and strategic natural resources as I travel around the country,” Starks said. “There’s not an outdoor enthusiast around who hasn’t found wonderful fishing, hunting, birding and recreational activities in every corner of our state. At the same time, our exceptional energy resources – specifically coal – are invaluable economic drivers for our state and our nation. I take every opportunity to educate people about coal and what it means to West Virginia.”
Starks works to leverage his popularity and knowledge of fishing, hunting and the outdoors on behalf of his mining industry sponsors and he plans to keep the momentum going in 2010.
“Many West Virginians have been supportive of my fishing career and I’m hoping to give them plenty more to cheer about this season,” Starks said.
Starks will compete in 10 Bassmaster Elite Series events and 3 Bassmaster Open events. The 2010 tour will take him to lakes and rivers in California, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, New York, Michigan, and Maryland.
