2007 WBT Championship Winner Judy Wong Takes Lead After Two Days in Pivotal Tennessee Tournament
MADISON, Tenn. — A bag of largemouth that weighed more than 13 pounds put Judy Wong of Many, La., into the lead after two days in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Women’s Tour on Old Hickory Lake.
Wong, the winner of the 2007 WBT Championship on South Carolina’s Lake Keowee, brought in 20-15 of Old Hickory bass over two days, jumping her from third to first and stepping over Heather Broom of Sylva, N.C., who had 19-9 over two days and remained firmly in second place.
Also on Friday, Lisa Sternard of Clarksville, Tenn., jumped into third place with 17-11. Fourth with 14-15 was Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., who as the 2008 Toyota Tundra WBT Angler of the Year was the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic.
Hookups with short bass have been plentiful this week, but not limits. After weighing just three fish the first day, Wong had one of eight pro-division limits Friday. Her Day Two bag was anchored by two largemouths, one more than 5 pounds, another about 4 pounds.
She said both came from one area — a rare one-two on Old Hickory this week. She said she worked another spot — hard — for the other three.
“It’s been tough fishing here, so to get the two big ones was wonderful,” Wong said. “The fish are in transition, they’re following baitfish, some are up shallow, some are out deep, so you just have to make a decision, not limit yourself to just one area. I was lucky to capitalize on those two areas, but they may not be there Saturday.”
That’s not quite what happened to first-day leader Cheryl Bowden of Plano, Texas, who zeroed Friday.
“I could see the fish, but they just wouldn’t bite,” Bowden said. “Maybe because they could see me — there was no wind.”
Broom, the last angler to weigh-in Friday, said she had hoped her limit would weigh just a bit more than it did — 10 pounds, 9 ounces, to put pressure on Wong, an early leader of the day.
“I can pull five more tomorrow — I’m pretty sure I can,” said Broom, whose limit came by 9 a.m. “I know there’s going to be some local tournaments tomorrow, and that’s often a factor on Saturday, but I’ll go back and see what I can get.”
In fifth place with 13-15 was Robin Babb of Livingston, Texas, who said she was motivated to do well at this tournament so she could earn enough points to advance to the 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship, which is set for Oct. 16-18 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
“That’s why I fished so hard today and yesterday,” Babb said. “I really want to be in the championship. I’ve had a difficult season and year, so I got focused. I decided I better get serious.”
The Old Hickory event ends Saturday, wrapping up the regular WBT season and setting the 20-pro field for the 2009 championship. That’s where the season-long points race will cross the finish line and one pro will claim the season’s biggest prize package: the Toyota Tundra WBT Angler of the Year crown, a Toyota Tundra, and an invitation to the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake out of Birmingham, Ala.
Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., had 850 points going into the Old Hickory event. Just nine ticks behind was Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas. Martin-Wells was 10th place after the second day of the Tennessee tournament with 11-8. Robinson was seventh with 13-1.
The co-angler division went through a leaderboard shake-up. Bonnie Ward of Snohomish, Wash., shot from eighth place into the lead with 11-3 over two days. Regina Pierpaoli of Gallatin, Tenn., was second with 10-13. Terri Bittner of McKinleyville, Calif., took a big step from 35th place into third with an 8-14 two-day total.
First prize in the co-angler division is $500 and a Triton/Mercury boat rig valued at $25,000. Co-anglers also are competing for qualifying points for the October championship.
The Old Hickory competition will resume Saturday at 6:15 a.m. CT, when the top 20 launch from Sanders Ferry Park, 100 Sanders Ferry Road in Hendersonville, Tenn. The finale weigh-in is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. CT at the Academy Sports + Outdoors store, 2350 Gallatin Pike N., Madison.
All WBT events are free and open to the public.
The local sponsor is Sumner County Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.sumnercvb.com).
Media Contact: Doug Grassian; doug.grassian@espn.com; 407-566-2216
PRO- ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS BASSMASTER WOMEN’S TOUR- OLD HICKORY LAKE- DAY 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Judy Wong Many, LA 8 20-15 305
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 5 13-01
2. Heather Broom Sylva, NC 10 19-09 295
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 10-09
3. Lisa Sternard Clarksville, TN 7 17-11 290
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 4 10-13
4. Kim Bain-Moore Alabaster, AL 10 14-15 285
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 07-15
5. Robin Babb Livingston, TX 10 13-15 280
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 07-07
6. Cindy Hill Smyrna, TN 7 13-09 276
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 5 09-09
7. Juanita Robinson Highlands, TX 9 13-01 272
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 4 05-15
8. Helen Gordon Flower Mound, TX 8 11-13 268
Day 1: 4 05-07 Day 2: 4 06-06
9. Meta Burrell Fort Worth, TX 8 11-11 264
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 3 05-00
10. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, GA 8 11-08 260
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 5 07-10
11. Linda Redford Blue Eye, MO 6 11-00 257
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 4 07-04
12. Cheryl Bowden Plano, TX 5 11-00 259
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
13. Cheryl Spencer Tulsa, OK 8 10-15 251
Day 1: 3 03-10 Day 2: 5 07-05
14. Laura Heflin Topeka, KS 10 10-10 248
Day 1: 5 04-09 Day 2: 5 06-01
15. Dianna Clark Bumpus Mills, TN 7 09-12 245
Day 1: 4 05-04 Day 2: 3 04-08
16. Mary DiVincenti Clinton, LA 6 09-07 243
Day 1: 4 05-06 Day 2: 2 04-01
17. Emily Shaffer Mount Juliet, TN 5 09-02 241
Day 1: 4 07-07 Day 2: 1 01-11
18. Keri Schieber Cumming, GA 5 09-01 239
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 3 04-08
19. Melinda Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 09-00 237
Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 3 05-15
20. Michelle Armstrong Denver, NC 5 08-06 235
Day 1: 4 06-15 Day 2: 1 01-07
21. Lisa Craig Chandler, TX 2 08-03 233
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 08-03
22. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 07-11 231
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 3 05-05
23. Cheryl Turner Gallatin, TN 5 07-10 229
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 3 04-05
24. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, OK 5 07-03 227
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 2 02-12
25. Jo Dee Lake Helena, AL 4 06-11 225
Day 1: 4 06-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
26. Christiana Bradley Bealeton, VA 6 06-10 223
Day 1: 4 04-05 Day 2: 2 02-05
27. Patti Campbell Waxahachie, TX 4 06-05 221
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 3 05-00
28. Robbie Hartline Foristell, MO 4 05-12 219
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 2 02-10
29. Cheryl LaLumandier Saint Charles, MO 4 05-06 217
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 3 03-11
30. Kali Weatherford Eustace, TX 4 05-05 215
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 2 02-13
31. Lila Bass Austin, TX 3 05-00 213
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 1 01-12
32. Karen Elkins Oxford, AL 4 04-15 211
Day 1: 3 03-06 Day 2: 1 01-09
33. Paula Alexander Lincolnton, GA 3 04-13 209
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-13
33. Bridget Allen Philadelphia, PA 3 04-13 209
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
35. Secret York Benton, KY 3 04-12 205
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 1 01-06
36. Tammy Sawyer Brush Creek, TN 3 04-10 203
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 1 01-07
37. Lynda Gessner Foristell, MO 3 04-07 201
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
38. Jan Heavener Sherwood, AR 2 04-07 199
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 1 01-12
39. Angie Douthit Clewiston, FL 3 04-06 197
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 1 01-07
40. Robertina Filburn Vine Grove, KY 2 04-05 195
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
41. Susan Gregory Kiln, MS 2 04-03 193
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-03
42. Tami Kashiwabara London JAPAN 3 03-08 191
Day 1: 3 03-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
43. Kandie Candelaria Canyon Lake, TX 2 03-07 189
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-07
44. BJ Carson Inola, OK 2 03-02 187
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
45. Debra Hengst San Antonio, TX 2 03-01 185
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-01
46. Marsha Gipson Bigelow, AR 1 03-01 183
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
47. Tammy Richardson Amity, AR 1 02-14 181
Day 1: 1 02-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
48. Jennifer Nevans Dayton, TN 2 02-11 179
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 01-00
49. Debra Petrowski Arlington, TX 2 02-09 177
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-09
50. Lori Masters Gonzales, LA 1 02-02 175
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
51. Kim Stapp Ringgold, GA 1 01-12 173
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
52. Teri Neal Cumming, GA 1 01-10 171
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
53. Kathi Hurst Ripley, MS 1 01-09 169
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
53. Teresa Poole Blue Springs, MO 1 01-09 169
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-09
53. Kim Tywater Fairview, TN 1 01-09 169
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
53. Kimberly White Glen Carbon, IL 1 01-09 169
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
57. Kat Ealey Moody, AL 1 01-09 161
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
58. Laura Gober Pendergrass, GA 1 01-08 159
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-08
58. Janet Parker Little Elm, TX 1 01-08 159
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-08
60. Cindy Caperton Ashland City, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
60. Terri Elkins Red Oak, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
60. Lisa Johnson Centre, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
60. Sandi Karnes Livingston, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
60. Kris McClendon Spicewood, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 7 131 208-01
2 8 115 197-00
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15 246 405-01
CO-ANGLER- ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS BASSMASTER WOMEN’S TOUR- OLD HICKORY LAKE- DAY 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bonnie Ward Snohomish, WA 8 11-03 305
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 5 06-12
2. Regina Pierpaoli Gallatin, TN 5 10-13 295
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 3 06-06
3. Terri Bittner Mckinleyville, CA 6 08-14 290
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 5 07-09
4. Jennifer Helgren Park City, IL 4 07-11 285
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 2 03-15
5. Barbara Gaskins Suffolk, VA 5 07-05 280
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 3 04-08
6. Donna Newberry Van Buren, AR 4 07-05 276
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 1 01-05
7. Linda Walker Beebe, AR 4 07-05 272
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 3 05-11
8. Stacy Zhelesnik Hoboken, NJ 4 07-02 268
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 1 01-10
9. Monica Altman Angier, NC 5 06-08 269
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
10. Colleen McKay Worcester, MA 5 06-07 260
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
11. Sarah Davis Livingston, LA 4 06-07 257
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 3 05-01
12. Elizabeth Sanders Brandon, MS 4 06-05 254
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 3 05-00
13. Jennifer Rice Grant, AL 4 06-02 251
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 2 03-13
14. Dianna Montgomery Lebanon, TN 2 06-02 248
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-02
15. Jada Tidmore Union Grove, AL 4 06-00 245
Day 1: 4 06-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
16. Barbara Ferge Somerville, TN 4 05-14 243
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 2 02-09
17. Debra Cook Gardendale, AL 4 05-11 241
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 2 02-08
18. Jill Matheis Jasper, IN 5 05-09 239
Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
19. Karol Whitehurst Winnsboro, TX 4 05-06 237
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 05-06
20. Kim Petrowski Arlington, TX 3 05-04 235
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 1 01-13
21. Martha Goodfellow Simpsonville, SC 4 05-02 233
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 3 03-14
22. Sherry Melton Monterey, TN 4 04-14 231
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 2 02-07
23. Sharon Rushton Kimberling City, MO 3 04-13 229
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
24. Dawn Dudek Posen, IL 3 04-08 227
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 1 01-11
25. Bertha Cavakis Amity, AR 4 04-05 225
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 3 02-11
26. Lesli Lively Palestine, TX 3 04-05 223
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 1 01-09
27. Denese Freeman Lawton, OK 3 04-04 221
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 1 01-05
28. Susan Orton Apex, NC 3 04-03 219
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 1 01-04
29. Melissa Bond Albuquerque, NM 2 03-14 217
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 1 01-14
30. Vicki Henderson Ashdown, AR 3 03-12 215
Day 1: 3 03-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
31. Renee Gumbrecht Oakhurst, NJ 2 03-09 213
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
32. Kala Wright Spiro, OK 3 03-07 211
Day 1: 2 02-02 Day 2: 1 01-05
33. Kelly Wells Grovetown, GA 2 03-02 209
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-02
34. Victoria Hellmer Hermitage, TN 2 03-01 207
Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
35. Diane Smith Fayetteville, GA 2 03-00 205
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 1 01-12
36. Teri Cindric Hermitage, TN 2 02-15 203
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
36. Charlotte Frazier Dallas, TX 2 02-15 203
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
36. Gail Wood Russellville, AR 2 02-15 203
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
39. Nancy Dugas Huntsville, AL 2 02-15 197
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 1 01-14
40. Kim Mendoza Garland, TX 1 02-12 195
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-12
41. Katelynn Gray Bastrop, LA 2 02-11 193
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-11
42. Trish Levitt Albuquerque, NM 2 02-10 191
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 1 01-07
43. Neva Brown Lufkin, TX 2 02-06 189
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-06
44. Bonnie Betts Saint Ann, MO 2 02-06 187
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 1 01-00
45. Debbie Pegoli Loveland, OH 1 02-03 185
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-03
46. Sharon Seaton Buchanan, TN 1 02-02 183
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-02
47. Lori Steele Tulsa, OK 1 01-13 181
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
47. Susan Wild St Petersburg, FL 1 01-13 181
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-13
49. Donna Rutledge Orland Park, IL 1 01-12 177
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
50. Renee Brisendine Cary, NC 1 01-09 175
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
50. Jane Brunner Byhalia, MS 1 01-09 175
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
50. Sharon Lawson Red Bank, TN 1 01-09 175
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-09
53. Katie Hogan Bon Aqua, TN 1 01-06 169
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-06
54. Michele Gunderman Gastonia, NC 1 01-05 167
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
55. Linda Owens Brandon, MS 1 01-04 165
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Kat Arnold Shreveport, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Linda Berry Madison, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Marilyn Biszmaier Louisville, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Cheryl Buelow Pollock, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Susan Dameron Chattanooga, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Lisa Diehl Pittsburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Renee Johnston Beaumont, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Mary Lipka Wentzville, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Kim Martin Clayton, IN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 3 83 122-07
2 2 76 119-15
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5 159 242-06
