Heath, you bring up a great point. I hope that I myself can make a run at angler of the year this spring. However, take this spin on it and see what you think? I thought that the idea of the 4 qualifier system was to make it as fair as possible. Because KY is geographically very large, travelling to all the tournaments can be tough. For example, for some KY lake is a 5+ hour trip, for others Yatesville is a 5+ hour trip. If we start rewarding angler of the year and folks that fish all the tournaments than we defeat the purpose of the system. If you can afford to fish all the tournaments, cover travel expenses, and take time off from work than you gain an advantage over the rest. This would allow another way to make the state team that only some of the membership could compete for. Creating two state team slot for those that fish the entire trail has too great of a value, and would not serve what I thought was the whole concept of the federation. Every year folks have a chance to fish a local qualifier, and every forth year a state tournament is in their region. Based on our state's geography the system we have in place is the fairest way. This system truly allows anyone with the opportunity to fish locally and at a reasonable cost to have a fair chance at making the state team. When I started fishing KBFN I got the perception that they were for the weekend angler who fishes on a budget and has limited time off from work. This is why I have decided that having the angler of the year be the state team alternate is a sufficient reward. In theory, your idea is great, the most consistent angler would be a good assest to the state team, however in the long run it could discourage participation from the membership by taking away two state team slots that many feel that they could never compete for. I am a believer in the dream, everyone has an equal chance to make it to the classic. When I made the federation championship it was awesome. Fishing the KBFN is exciting because I know now that anyone can get their, no matter the type of truck, size of the boat, or financial backing! Look forward to seeing everyone at Cumberland!