News
TOC Patient and Strike King Angler Mark Menendez Scores 3rd BASS Victory at Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Dardanelle
Posted on: 04/02/2009
With two new shoulders and an “old school” approach, TOC patient and professional angler Mark Menendez accumulated 55 pounds, 7 ounces on his way to victory at the Toyota Trucks Diamond Drive on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Arkansas. For the first time in 15 years, an angler scored victory at a top-level BASS event with an aluminum boat. A risky move in an attempt to get Menendez into those “sweet spots”, but one that certainly paid off. “This just goes to show you that sometimes you don’t need the most modern equipment to perform at the highest level…at the end of the day, it’s just a method of transportation and you have to catch the fish to win. Thankfully, I did.”
In early 2008, The Orthopaedic Center and their sports medicine team were named the official orthopaedic physicians for Team Strike King – an elite group of professional anglers which include popular names like Denny Brauer, Shaw Grigsby and quite possibly the best angler in the game today, Kevin VanDam. Since partnering with Strike King, the TOC Sports physicians have cared for several of its elite team members who suffer from many muscular and skeletal ailments. Mark was complaining of pain in both of his shoulders. A pain he couldn’t compete with anymore. Mark came to see Dr. John Greco and ended up having surgery in one shoulder, while only having to rehabilitate the other.
Apparently Mark’s shoulders and his game are as good as new. With the victory, Menendez earns $100,000 and valuable points in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.
