SACRAMENTO - The epic movie “Troy” opens with a scene where a young messenger boy confronts legendary champion Achilles – who is on the way to do battle with a seemingly overwhelming opponent, and says to him: “The Thessalonian your fighting is the biggest man I’ve ever seen…I wouldn’t want to fight him”.
Achilles response was both quick and sure as he stoically replied: “That’s why no-one will remember your name”.
The Greek warrior’s matter-of-fact response was one that points to an indisputable fact: that the road to honor and accolades is only reserved for those that face challenges and adversity head on – and overcome.
And as the Future Pro Tour prepares to deliver its 15th annual Classic championship event, this weekend on Folsom Lake, it is for sure that many of the only 100 qualifying teams will be looking to meet their challenges head on in hopes of winning the most coveted title in amateur bass fishing and take their rightful place in the FPT’s hall of distinguished champions that include teams such as Harbernich/Thorton, Cross/Wilson, Peirson/Wilson, Ondracek/Baggett, Prickett/Santini…just to name a few.
For each of these past championship teams share one thing in common: they have all persevered, endured grueling schedules on a variety of lakes against huge fields, and have placed themselves in a position to have an opportunity to secure a position amongst the giants of amateur level competition.
For this year’s group of championship qualifiers, like their predecessors, will be required to bring their games to another level as the 15th anniversary of the Coors Light Future Pro Tour Classic event presents challenges like no other, and will be held in an “Bassmaster” style 3-day elimination format, on a lake unfamiliar to most, for the keys to a new 5.7 HEMI powered Ram truck, and the distinction of being the best amateur bass fishing team in the west.
Is the class of 2016 qualifiers ready for the mammoth challenge that lies ahead? Perhaps.
But each team will have to look within themselves to answer that question, as it is anyone’s guess as to who will take home Classic gold.
However, one thing is for sure…whatever team overcomes this challenge and captures the 2016 Coors Light Future Pro Tour Classic crown, can be certain that the western bass fraternity at large will know, and remember their names.
FPT
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