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Norman, OK
– Winning at the tour level is never easy – in fact, it’s downright tough. Everything has to go in your favor over four grueling days of competition in order to claim the win come Sunday. Over the past 21 years, Oklahoma pro Kenyon Hill has been waiting patiently for his moment in the sun. While he has come close several times – and has won two times before Sunday – his win at Clarks Hill was his first Elite Series crown.
At the conclusion of the tournament, an emotional Kenyon Hill told the crowd gathered at the weigh-in that the win was very special to him for a number of reasons. Most important among them was because his father, who is battling esophageal cancer, would be able to share the victory with him. “We’re not too sure how much longer dad will be with us,” Kenyon told The BASS ZONE.
“He taught me how to fish, and has been with me every step of the way throughout my career, so this win is really shared with my dad and I want him to be able to fully experience it.”
With
that in mind, and knowing that it would be
some time before he was back in Norman,
Kenyon requested that the trophy be taken
back and given to his father. “It’s one
thing to be able to see the trophy on
television, and to be able to know that I
won,” Kenyon explained. “But I want him
to be able to hold the trophy that, really,
he has as much responsibility for as I
do.”
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As
a result, Mark Jeffreys, BASS ZONE
founder, left Augusta with an extra
carry-on bag containing Kenyon’s
prized trophy and quickly made
arrangements to deliver it to the
ailing father. “When Kenyon asked
me to take the trophy back and give
it to his dad, I was completely
overwhelmed,” Jeffreys said.
“I’ve known Kenyon for a long time, and I know what this win means to him – and his dad. I carried it like a baby from Augusta all the way to Dr. Hill’s house.” |
After taping
The BASS ZONE's weekly XM Satellite radio show, of which Kenyon was a guest, Jeffreys and
the BASS ZONE's Editor In Chief, Brent Conway, made good on the promise by delivering
Kenyon's Elite Series trophy. Due to Dr. Hill’s condition,
he was unable to speak; however, it was clear
he was very proud of his son's victory at
Clarks Hill.
Great job on the win Kenyon! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and thank you for letting us be a part of this very special moment.
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