Over the last 10 years I've really spent some time on the water. That's what has helped me to keep progressing to the point where I am now.

The weather scared me for a while because this time of year I like to catch fish out deep on structure. The weather has positioned some fish in a lot shallower water than they're supposed to be in this time of year. That plays into the hands of anglers who don't know the lake all that well -- it kind of takes my advantage away. But there are still some fish out deep, so I'm sticking to my guns. I've got some other things I can do, too.

There are a ton of big fish in Lake Murray and the lake has been overlooked a bit the past few years. It has the biggest fish on the tour, I think. I look for somebody to catch a 10-pounder in this tournament.

I felt like I had a good opportunity coming into this tournament, and I'm glad that I didn't disappoint. To be able to do this on your home lake is just great. You don't get to many opportunities like that.

Knowing that I might not be able to make it (in pro bass fishing), I wanted to have something to fall back on. I didn't know exactly how things were going to happen -- I thought I maybe I'd have to work for a while. Things have gone well, but I'm glad I have that degree.

The last couple of years have been really good to me.