Bradley Roy set his sights on one goal at the beginning of the year, and this past weekend made that goal a reality – win the Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year title. The Berkley/Abu Garcia pro angler completed this goal by finishing in 34th place overall at the Sooner Run that took place on Ft. Gibson Lake, Okla.
“This has been my goal all along going through the season,” said Roy. “When you set a goal there is no reason to lose focus, and although I had a few finishes I wish I could change it all worked itself out in the end. Everyone was great on the tour, and I look forward to my sophomore year with the elites. ”
Roy, who is the youngest Rookie of the Year recipient, secured the crown on Ft. Gibson Lake with a final weight of 39 pounds. The Lancaster, Ky., bested fellow rookie Cliff Crochet by a mere 61 points to earn the title and completed an accomplishment he set his sights on at the beginning of the season.
The young fishing pro established himself as a force early in his career. At the age of 13, Roy won the 2004 Bassmaster Junior World champion in the 11-14 age group, and as a seventeen year old he outperformed many other Kentuckians to earn the right to be the sole representative of his state in the 2008 BASS Federation Nation Championship.
“Bradley can look at this year as one for the record books,” said Mike Phillips, Berkley Fishing Brand Manager. “Berkley has had the pleasure of working with Bradley throughout the year and he’s developed not only as a young elite angler, but also as a person. He takes great pride in his craft, which is surely a sign of great things to come for Bradley.”
Roy finished in the money an astonishing four times throughout the season amassing over $40,000 in earnings. With a top 10 finish at California’s Clear Lake, Roy handled the pressure of being the youngest rookie ever to compete on the Elite Series.
“Bradley was great to have on tour,” said Skeet Reese, fellow Berkley Pro and BASS Elite Series angler. “Sure the guys would razz him a bit, but he took it in stride. He proved that he belonged on the Elite Series during the first few events. Nothing seems to rattle him.”
The Rookie of the Year annually goes to the BASS Elite Series rookie who has the highest year-end point total in the standings at the conclusion of the regular season.
2010 BASS Elite Series Tournament Results
50th Place – California Delta
8th Place – Clear Lake
78th Place – Smith Mountain Lake
34th Place – Pickwick Lake
56th Place – Lake Guntersville
61st Place – Clarks Hill Lake
46th Place – Kentucky Lake
34th Place – Ft. Gibson Lake
