McWha to Head Costa FLW Series in 2019
Veteran BFL tournament director to succeed Ron Lappin
Along with the release of the 2019 Costa FLW Series schedule, FLW announced today that longtime FLW Series Director of Tournament Operations Ron Lappin will step down in his current role following the conclusion of the 2018 season. He will be succeeded by current T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Tournament Director Mark McWha.
Lappin, along with his wife, Joan, will still be on site at 2019 FLW Series events in a new role as Assistant Director of Tournament Operations for the FLW Series, a position created to ensure a seamless transition for McWha and allow the Lappins more flexibility as they prepare for retirement.
“I probably know the anglers on a more personal basis than anyone at FLW, except [FLW emcee] Chris Jones,” says Lappin, who has headed the FLW Series since 2007. “I think when you’ve got someone with my experience helping with the transition to a new Director of Tournament Operations, the anglers know that the playing field will remain consistent.
“I’ve got the utmost confidence in Mark McWha and his ability to do the job well,” continues Lappin. “I’ve watched him over the years at tournaments and in the office – he manages tournaments and his staff very much like I do. He has the respect of the anglers, and he understands that they can fish any circuit they want, so it’s a privilege to us when they choose to fish with FLW.”
McWha has served FLW as a tournament director since 2006.
“I have some extremely big shoes to fill in trying to follow Ron Lappin, but I’m very confident in my abilities and look forward to traveling the country working with some of the top anglers from around the world,” McWha says. “Having Ron and Joan on site throughout the season as a resource to myself and the anglers will make the transition smoother. I’m excited to get the 2019 season underway in January.”