MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 19, 2006) - The Army National Guard announced Wednesday the members of its professional angling team to compete in FLW Outdoors tournaments in 2006. This veteran group of anglers consists of Ramie Colson, Derek Jones, Tim Klinger and Jonathon Newton.
Earlier this year the Army National Guard signed a multiyear platinum sponsorship agreement that will ensure visibility on all 10 of the FLW Outdoors tournament trails. Through its partnership with FLW Outdoors, the Army National Guard will sponsor a four-member angling team that will compete on various FLW Outdoors tournament trails.
Cadiz, Ky., pro Colson is a veteran tournament angler, having fished in 76 FLW Outdoors events since 1995, including the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Stren Series and Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League. In his career, Colson has notched 18 top-10 finishes including two victories in BFL competition. Last season marked Colson's first on the FLW Tour, and he returns in 2006 with valuable experience under his belt. "I am very pleased and honored to be a part of the National Guard team," Colson said. "We've got a great group of anglers, and hopefully we can make the National Guard proud."
Jones was relentless last season on the FLW Tour, finishing second in the Co-angler Division points race. His runner-up designation was bolstered by two top-10 finishes, at Beaver Lake and Wheeler Lake. In 2006, the Chicago native will step up and fish the FLW Tour as a pro. "I'm excited for this season, with it being my first full season as a pro," Jones said. "I'm especially proud to be part of the National Guard team because of what they stand for."
Klinger, a renowned Western pro from Boulder City, Nev., has made the top 10 in 15 of his 51 FLW Outdoors events. In 2004, Klinger won $200,000 at the Wal-Mart Open on Beaver Lake by catching a final-round total of 10 bass weighing 24 pounds, 1 ounce. After a year on hiatus, Klinger is excited about his return to the FLW Tour. "It feels awesome," Klinger said. "I am really proud to be out there fishing and supporting the men and women who protect our country."
Newton, a native of Rogersville, Ark., has 11 top-10 finishes in 79 FLW Outdoors events since 1995. In both 2003 and 2004, Newton scored major victories in back-to-back seasons in the Stren Series Central Division. In his career, he has earned more than $150,000 fishing the FLW Tour, Stren Series (formerly the EverStart Series) and BFL. In 2006, Newton is set to embark on his third season as an FLW Tour pro. "I've been real fortunate, because everything I've worked for is finally coming true," Newton said. "It's an honor to be part of the National Guard team because of what it represents. We're representing our country."
Col. Richard Guzzetta, chief of the strength and maintenance division with the Army National Guard, said: "These four anglers represent the National Guard's 350,000 members who are serving their communities and their country every day. We are extremely proud of each of them and look forward to a great inaugural season. It is also important to recognize Army National Guard Sergeant Melinda Mize, who was selected to be a part of the National Guard team, but is being deployed to Kuwait. Thanks, Melinda for your service and we'll see you when you return."