21-YEAR-OLD Awestruck by Elite Series Option
Category: notes
Jan 29th, 2009 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jan 29th, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Luke Gritter, 21, of Kalamazoo, Mich., was dumbfounded when he qualified Saturday for the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series through the Bassmaster Southern Open circuit.
“I left on Saturday because I didn’t think I had a chance,” said Gritter, who had missed the cut to compete during the final day at Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. “I found out from a friend, Jonathon VanDam, on my way home. He looked it up on his cell, and called me and told me I had made it.
“Being my first year, I was awestruck. I couldn’t even talk when I found out. Competing in the Elite Series has always been a dream of mine. I was greatly disappointed I wasn’t there to accept the invitation.”
VanDam and Gritter, both from Kalamazoo, have been traveling to and from the Opens together after meeting while competing in local Michigan tournaments a few years ago. Jonathon is the nephew of Elite Series pro Kevin VanDam, the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year and two-time Bassmaster Classic winner.
Gritter fished the Open circuit as a co-angler last year, then signed up on the pro side for the 2008 season. His final points total put him in 10th place, making him the last angler to make the Elite Series through the Southern Opens. He had started the Guntersville event in 11th place in points, but when he fell below the cutline Saturday, he decided to head home.
“I have decided I’m going to do it if I can come up with the money, that’s the only issue,” he said. “I’m ready, I’ve prepared myself for all the obstacles ahead of me. I believe I can go out there and compete.”
Gritter works as a carpenter for his family’s construction company, meaning he has a job waiting for him on the days he’s not competing. Gritter Builders is one of his two sponsors. He said his other is Kaenon Polarized, which manufactures sunglasses.
It was suggested to Gritter that a good place to start for advice would be Kevin VanDam.
“I’m hoping so. I have met him, but I’ve never really sat down and talked to him,” Gritter said.