Todd Faircloth and TTBAOY
Whatever It Takes
View the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Standings
"Things are looking good. It's a realistic possibility, there's no doubt about that," Faircloth says, referring to a first TTBAOY title. "But, you've got to look at it objectively. This is a tough fight. The anglers in the hunt are all top professionals. They're going to catch fish. They always do. That means I have to catch fish, too.
"I have to say that it's developing just like we thought it would — going down to the last tournament. That's the way it should be in a competitive sport. That's the way I want it."
By that statement Faircloth means that his destiny is in his hands. It's his title to win. He doesn't have to hope that someone else falters or stumbles. No one can sneak up on him from behind to take it away if he performs. It's on him, pure and simple.
"I've got to catch fish next week. Angler of the Year is about catching fish over the course of a season, and this tournament (Oneida) is a part of that season. My fate is in my hands. If I do well I can win. If I don't I won't. No one can — or should — complain about that."
OK, but what about strategy? It's fine to talk about catching fish but in reality it's about catching more fish than KVD, and maybe one or two of the other guys as well.
Will Faircloth fish to beat VanDam, or ignore him and the other competitors and fish to win the final event of the 2008 season? That's not an easy question to answer.
To appreciate the complexity of the problem, suppose both men make the Saturday cut next weekend but VanDam is well down the list and Faircloth is well up on the list. Or, what if Faircloth and VanDam are both way down and one of the other guys is leading the tournament?
Depending upon which scenario unfolds Faircloth can play it safe and try to catch just enough weight to earn more points than his competition. Or, he can go for the gold and let the chips fall where they may.
Both have risks. Going for the win means passing over mere keepers in the pursuit of winning weights. But, then again, if he does win on Oneida the title is his. Playing not to lose has risks, too. History's landscape is littered with the skeletons of men who played not to lose. Sometimes the only thing a prevent defense prevents is victory.
So, the question remains: How will he handle the situation?
"My goal is to win AOY. I intend to do whatever it takes to do that. A lot of people are pulling for me. These are people — family, friends and sponsors — who have stuck by me in the bad times as well as the good. I know it sounds trite, but when I say I want it as much for them as for me I'm telling the truth. They deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty.
"But, it's not a gimme, or anything like that. Oneida is made for Kevin. It's a relatively shallow, northern smallmouth lake. That's his thing. And, like I said, the other guys aren't in the hunt by accident. Winning the title won't be easy.
"Regardless, I think I'm in the right frame of mind. I'm positive and psyched to do my best. I intend to be the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year if at all possible."
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