September 27, 2019
When the four duos for the East Texas Baptist University Bass Fishing Team launched their boats last weekend at the last Yeti FLW College Series Southern Conference Tournament on the Arkansas River, they all had one goal in mind. That goal was to win the Southern Conference Team of the Year and at the conclusion of the weigh-in at the North River Landing, they did just that!
ETBU Tiger anglers Jacob Keith and Mason Beatty, claimed second place in this national championship qualifying tournament. Tigers Brett Clark and Cody Ross also had a strong finish in 13th place to enable the Tigers to claim the Southern Conference title. The two other teams for ETBU, Grant Hendrix and Josh Manuel, and the pair of Jared Penton and Dustin Pearcy, finished respectably in 41st place and 50th place.
This is a historic moment for the ETBU Bass Fishing team as the program enters into its fourth year of existence. The young program has competed against a multitude of teams, which includes the likes of powerhouse programs Texas A&M, SFA, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, LSU, and many other major and mid-major colleges. However, the Tigers have not only been able to compete against, but perform at a high level against these longer established programs. During the 2019 season, the ETBU Tigers logged a tournament win, three top 10 finishes, one top 15, and multiple top 35 finishes. This performance consistency while fishing on vastly different waters, such as Lake Sam Rayburn, Lake Texoma, and the Arkansas River is what allowed ETBU to claim the first ever Yeti FLW College Series Southern Conference Team of the Year crown.
In addition to this prestigious title, ETBU will be sending two teams to the 2020 Yeti FLW College National Championship in February. This will mark the fourth consecutive year that ETBU has been represented at the national championship event. As the success of the ETBU anglers continues to grow, the Tigers would like to thank all of their amazing sponsors, who help contribute to our University’s success both on and off the water: Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Sam Baxter, V&M Baits, Fishing Frenzy Tackle, Symmetry Turf, Fidelity Communications, Winn Grips, Elite Tungsten Co., Costa, and Rod Armorz.
Congratulations to the ETBU Bass Fishing Team! We are grateful for the skillful and devoted Tiger head coach, Cameron Burger and assistant coach/recruiting coordinator, Bryan Thomas.
GO TIGERS!