Murray State, Auburn University and University of North Alabama Hold Top Three Spots in the Cabela’s School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia Race

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (December 8, 2016) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers has released the first rankings of the 2017 Cabela’s
Collegiate Bass Fishing School of Year race, and it comes as no surprise to college fishing fans to see some of the top fishing schools in the nation holding the top three spots.  With over four months and 12 events now completed of the Cabela’s School of the Year race presented by Abu Garcia now completed, the Murray State University bass team has taken an early lead in the season long quest to be crowned the best fishing team in the nation.

The Murray State University Bass team has long been a contender since the beginning of the school of the year standings and by all accounts have always had their eye on winning Cabela’s School of the Year title.

Ryan Lancaster, President of the Murray State bass team, said, “Leading the Cabela’s School of the Year points race this early in the year is surreal. Typically, we find ourselves somewhere between 15^th and 25^th in the race going into Christmas break. However, this fall we have been extremely fortunate and managed to put together some really high finishes. The Murray State Bass Anglers, as a whole, have fished extremely well this fall. We have been fortunate enough to win the last four sanctioned school-run tournaments that we have entered, including two on the same weekend. Now we move into Christmas break with momentum and high hopes to continue our winning streak into the spring season.”

When it comes to their successful season thus far, Lancaster attributes that to the growth of the team saying, “With our recent success in the past few Cabela’s School of the Year races, we have attracted high caliber anglers to our team. Last year, our team had approximately 47 members, however this year we are currently up to approximately 60 members. Our increase in membership has also brought a higher interest in traveling to fish collegiate tournaments. This enables us to send multiple boats to many different tournaments throughout the season, even if there are multiple tournaments scheduled on the same day. Also, being located next to Kentucky Lake has helped us become very versatile anglers, as you can be successful fishing multiple patterns on Kentucky Lake. We wouldn’t be near as competitive fishing collegiately if it weren’t for this lake that we still believe to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country.”

Murray State University Bass team knows that they still have a lot of work to put in the Spring, but they are focused and have only one goal in mind. “Our team goal year in and year out is to win Cabela’s School of the Year title. Although we have never been fortunate enough to win, our team has been close the past four years with two 4^thplace finishes, a 2^nd place finish, and a 3^rd place finish. It would mean the world to us to be able to finally win SOY. Our plan is to fish as many tournaments as we can in the spring season and continue our fall success into the spring. We are all extremely excited to see what the spring holds for our team and where we end up after the race ends June 30,” Lancaster said.

Sitting in second are the winners of this past year’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, the University of Auburn, and in third is two-time Cabela’s School of year winners, University of North Alabama. Both of these teams know how to win and have placed emphasis on winning the title.

Darrel High, coach of the Auburn University Bass Sports Club, reveals, “Our club is very excited and determined to get to the top of the points. Winning the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship has really sparked this Auburn University Bass Team to improve as well as continue the tradition since we formed back in 2006, as one of the Nation’s Top Programs.” With 20+ more events come this spring, Auburn University knows they still have a lot of work to put in. “So many outstanding college teams throughout the country, so our focus and determination will be to stay on top, to be respected for achievements, and show our respect to the other great collegiate teams,” High said.

Nathan Martin, President of the University of North Alabama bass team, knows they still have a lot of tournaments left before anything is decided. Martin says, “We feel great about where we are sitting. We are only 17points out of first place, but there is still a lot of season left. Those points can be made up in one tournament so we’re sitting well. I would much rather see us up two more spots though.” Vice President, Drew Herold added, “We are confident in our abilities to catch quality fish no matter the location. One of our teams strong suits this year is the newer generation anglers. These young guys are out there grinding, working hard to put their name out there and represent our school. These new anglers brought in a new wave of competition and drive that our veteran anglers love and want to see prosper for the rest of the season.”

As many teams, have found out over the years, in order to be competitive in the Cabela’s School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia race, teams must work together and share the same mind set in order to accomplish their goals.  With well over 20+ events remaining in this season’s race, it’s going to be an exciting ride to the end of the season for all the teams vying for the title, but also to end the season ranked in the top 20 in the nation.

To see a list of complete School of the Year Rankings, click here: 2016-2017 Cabela’s School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia Standings

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