I first met Kyle Welcher 11 years ago, though he likely doesn’t remember. It was far more memorable for me than it was for him I’m sure. And this isn’t an “I knew him when” kind of deal. I didn’t know him then, and I don’t really know him now, though we live within 10 miles of one another.
I first met Welcher 11 years ago, while covering an FLW Tour event on Table Rock. He was 19, a rookie on tour, duking it out 647 miles from home with local legend Stacy King. His 19-12 bag on Day 1 was strong, the 24-8 he caught on Day 2 gave him the lead over King. The two following days were brutal and Welcher inevitably finished 9th. Jason Christie finished one spot ahead of Welcher that day, Clent Davis one spot behind. Jacob Wheeler finished 28th, Jacob Powroznik 37th. Ish Monroe, Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler finished that event with less weight than Welcher caught on Day 2 alone. My point, it was a stacked field.
That was then, this is now. Now Welcher has the lead with only 3 hours left on Day 3 of the biggest tournament of his life, and his first Progressive Angler of the Year title is one boat ride away. I didn’t know him then. I don’t really “know” him now. Considering what I do for a living, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that. Based on what he’s done this week and this year, I have a feeling I’ll be getting to know him a lot better in the near future.
