As I write this I know many, if not all of you, have been touched by cancer. If you have watched Elite weigh-ins on Bassmaster.com you know I have been out the past two events. What started as back pain brought on a litany of tests with the final verdict of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. More on this later.
COVID caused all kinds of rescheduling and adjustments in the sports world. Certainly it did at B.A.S.S. We are now on the back end of an almost impossible schedule crunch. Our Tournament team of Jon Stewart, Chris Bowes, Hank Weldon, Lisa Talmadge, Gretchen Sheppard, Dannette Jackson, Matt Dowd and Elissa Kelly have come through like the champions they are. I wish I could have been there to help but it is proof these folks are dedicated to the Blue and Green Shield.
I do think in life you have your runs and mine with B.A.S.S. is close to the end. Many know I have been contemplating retirement early next year as I will turn 65. We will have to see how the treatments go. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has a good cure rate. It is in God’s hands, and I put my trust in Him and the medical professionals.
In the 50 plus years of B.A.S.S. there have been only three Tournament Directors. The late Harold Sharp, Dewey Kendrick who hired and mentored me, and myself. The people at B.A.S.S. work hard every day to make the product of the B.A.S.S. shield the very best it can be. I know I have not been perfect but, in my heart of hearts, I have always tried to do the very best I could.
As I navigate the waters in front of me I appreciate your prayers. But please pray for all of those dealing with cancer, the doctors and nurses, and especially the caregivers. I have a bunch of prayer warriors and trust me you can feel it. Somewhere in your world someone needs prayer. Be that prayer warrior.
Good fishing to you all.
Editor’s note: If you’d like to send a card or letter to Trip, address it to:
Trip Weldon, B.A.S.S., LLC
3500 Blue Lake Dr., Suite 330
Birmingham, AL 35243