Kevin VanDam

Gray skies, bright attitudes for Elite Series finalists

August 10, 2008
(bassmaster.com, August 10, 2008)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Before the official practice for the Champion’s Choice presented by Ramada Worldwide was over, Dean Rojas said he felt more confident than ever he would win the tournament. Now, thousands of casts later, he feels even better about his chances.

When a reporter tried to ask Dean Rojas how he’d adjust if his fish didn’t bite on this final morning, Rojas was quick to cut him off.

“They will bite,” he said emphatically.

Then he noted he believes it’s possible for him to increase his daily weight again, as he has done the previous two days. In fact, he feels a 20-pound limit is well within his reach.

“Why not? I did it yesterday,” Rojas said.

Mike Iaconelli, currently in second place with a three-day catch of 47-00, is slightly less than 4 pounds behind Rojas, but expressed a strong belief that he, not Rojas, will hoist the first-place trophy this evening.

“You have to be confident,” Ike said. “You have to think you can win every time.”

The conditions have played into his hands. Yesterday on stage, he stated if he could get overcast skies, he expected to bust a monster limit. His wish came true.

“I actually woke up a lot earlier than I planned to this morning,” Iaconelli said. “When I heard that patter of rain outside, it put a big smile on my face. It’s in my hands. I have to focus on every cast.”

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/elite/news/story?id=3528309

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