FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2023
Contact: Ron Rickel ron.rickel@andrewssm.com
MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING ANGLER ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH ANDREWS SPORTS MEDICINE & ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Major League Fishing Angler Association (MLFAA), headquartered in Guntersville, Alabama, and Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center are excited to announce they have formed a strategic partnership.
“We are excited to partner with the Andrews Sports Medicine,” said Matt Kinzer COO of Major League Fishing Angler Association. Kinzer goes on to state, “There is comfort knowing our MLFAA professional anglers will be able to seek care from one of the best sports medicine and orthopedic practices in the world. Obtaining victory over injury, keeping our anglers’ injury free, and back on the water is our top priority.”
The partnership, which is kicking off today, includes the 80 professional anglers on the MLF Bass Pro Tour having direct access to Andrews Sports Medicine’s team of doctors.
Dr. Monte Ketchum and Dr. Daniel Smith will serve as team physicians for MLFAA. They will routinely treat anglers at Andrews Sports Medicine’s Birmingham, Cullman and Trussville clinic locations. In addition, Drs. Ketchum and Smith will also be on-site at various MLFAA events to medically evaluate and consult professional anglers, including the B & W Trailer Hitches Stage One in Kissimmee, FL on February 13-18, 2023 and the Toro Stage Four in Guntersville, AL on May 16-21, 2023.
Quotes from Andrews Sports Medicine
“I’ve been an avid and passionate fisherman my entire life. I’m very excited for the opportunity to care for the best professional anglers in the world.” – Monte M. Ketchum, DO
“I grew up on Lake Guntersville, one of the premier angling destinations in the United States. I’m very much looking forward to serving the world’s top professional anglers in my hometown, tournament destinations across the country and at our clinic locations.” – T. Daniel Smith, MD
Quotes from MLFAA anglers
“What an incredible opportunity for the MLFAA to collaborate with world-renowned Andrews Sports Medicine! Professional anglers have debilitating injuries just like athletes of all sports. When our livelihood is on the line and time is critical, it’s awesome to know their team of experts will get us back on the water and ready to compete.”
– Russ Lane, 19-year professional angler
“As professional anglers, we push our joints to the limit over time. The more casts an angler makes, the more fish they catch. It’s great to know we have Andrews Sports Medicine behind us while we keep casting.”
– Josh Bertrand, 11-year professional angler
“Partnering with Andrews Sports Medicine is music to my ears. I have fished professionally for 45 years and there has been considerable wear and tear on my body. Especially my shoulders, wrists, and hands. It’s great to know I can be examined and taken care of in a short-window-time-frame, incusing I am injury free and ready for the next tournament season.” – Paul Elias, 45-year professional angler
Major League Fishing Angler Association – MLF Bass Pro Tour
The MLF Bass Pro Tour is the highest level of competitive fishing in the world. A total of 80 anglers compete across seven Stages, plus a mid-season all-star event called Heavy Hitters. The season culminates with REDCREST, the Bass Pro Tour championship. Bass Pro Tour events are broadcast live via the MLFNOW! live stream and repackaged for television broadcast on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel.
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