The first of the long-awaited announcements on FLW team deals for 2011 came today when the organization revealed that veteran anglers George Cochran and Wesley Strader will comprise Team Walmart. It's a return engagement for Cochran (pictured), who was sponsored by the retail giant for several years before it pulled out of the sport prior to 2010.
“I’m real excited to be back on their team,” said the former Forrest Wood Cup winner and two-time Bassmaster Classic champion from Arkansas. “Some of the happiest times I’ve had while fishing was when I was wearing their logo. I’m honored to represent them.”
Strader, a Tennessean, is a 10-time Cup qualifier.
“It’s an honor to be associated with a company that’s done so much for bass fishing," he said. "It’s an honor and a blessing. I’ve never thought of myself as above anybody else, but to be right there beside George – he’s right up there with my heroes like Larry Nixon and Denny Brauer. I mean, they’re my heroes. I grew up watching them and wanted to be just like them.”
FLW Outdoors announced this summer at the Forrest Wood Cup in Atlanta that it had agreed to a long-term sponsorship with Walmart, with the company again becoming the title sponsor of FLW Outdoors in 2011.
