Fishing team to offer 20 scholarships for fall

 By Ashley CokerFishing Rod
Staff Writer

Living out Jesus’ call to make disciples looks a little bit different for everyone. For Head Fishing Coach Mike Keen and Assistant Fishing Coaches Michael Neal and Dave Perron, it looks like a Bryan College fishing team.

“Not every student plays basketball or soccer…that’s how this idea was born, as an opportunity to reach out and minister to students we wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Keen.

Currently, 10 high school seniors are planning to join the team this fall, while two are still in the decision-making process, according to Keen.

He said he has been actively recruiting in area high schools since this past September and is still looking to gain as many as 10 more students.

According to Neal, about 20 scholarships will be offered to recruits.

The amount each student gets will depend on their skill level, need and if they will be bringing a boat, because at least half the members of the team must be boaters, according to Keen.

He said that the team will start competing in tournaments in February 2015.

“Fishing isn’t as big as football, baseball or other sports like that, but there is a potential for national exposure. . . This is an opportunity for someone who may not be a traditional sports player to be something big,” said Neal.

He said he hopes that the fishing team will be competing in televised FLW College Fishing tournaments sometime within the next two years.

According to FLW, named after the founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, it introduced the first college fishing trail leading to a national championship in November 2009.

If a current Bryan student is interested in joining the team, they should contact Keen through the Athletic Department for more information.