By Jacob Deskins
Staff Writer
Bryan College is fielding, uhh, laking? a fishing team for the first time, and Head Coach Mike Keen says he is extremely excited.
It has taken longer than the couple of years they originally anticipated to get a fishing team together, but Keen and Athletic Director Taylor Hasty put together a program including scholarships and recognition by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The fishing team at Bryan is made up of 14 anglers, most of whom are from Tennessee. The fishermen have to bring their own boats, but Keen and others help to sponsor the team. In college tournaments, there are two anglers per boat, so Bryan will be competing with seven boats in each tournament.
Keen said he took this job because he thought it would be a great way to do the two things he loves most, fishing and mentoring young people. He said he is very grateful for getting the opportunity to coach these young men and help them grow, not only as better fishermen, but also better followers of Christ.
Freshman angler Tyler Chumley said, “This season is mainly about trying to get the word out that Bryan College has a team and that we are here to compete to the best of our ability, and show that, with God, we can achieve all.”
Another freshman angler Devin Wallis is also excited about this season. He has lived in Dayton his whole life and said he chose Bryan for three reasons: it is local, he got a scholarship and it is a Christian college.
“This being our first year means it will be a learning year, and only time will tell how big and how good the team will get,” he said.
They may be new to collegiate fishing, but Keen and his anglers say they expect to compete at a high level in every tournament.
