University of Montevallo Takes Over #1 Spot in the Race for Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia
Montevallo leads 2nd ranked Auburn University by 75 points, and Adrian College remains in 3rd with 7,340 points
SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 13, 2022) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers has updated the standings for the 2021-22 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia following a major college event last weekend. A MLF Southeastern Regional was contested on Friday, January 7th at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida. At this particular event, 1,000 points were awarded to the winner, with points being paid all the way down to 100th place. Following the conclusion of the tournament, the University of Montevallo has vaulted into 1st place, Auburn University gains valuable points but slides to 2nd, and Adrian College remains in 3rd after gaining no points in this update.
The highest finishing Montevallo team at the MLF Southeastern Regional was the pairing of Nicholas Dumke & Easton Fothergill. The duo weighed in a five bass limit for 22 pounds 1 ounce to finish the event in 4th place out of 189 teams. That 4th place finish netted Montevallo a total of 970 points, and boosted the school’s season points total to 8,395. This marks the first time this season in which Montevallo has been ranked number one in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
Being in 1st place for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia to start the new year is a familiar place for the University of Montevallo. Just last season at this same time, Montevallo was in 1st place with 8,695 points and leading 2nd ranked Adrian College by 915 points. In the 2021-22 race currently, Montevallo has earned 300 less points compared to last season’s campaign. Also, of note, the defending School of the Year winner leads second ranked Auburn University, at this time, by a mere 75 points.
Here is a look at several teams that moved up in the rankings following the vent at the Harris Chain of Lakes:
6) Carson-Newman University – Previously Ranked 7th
9) University of North Alabama – Previously Ranked 15th
12) Emmanuel College – Previously Ranked 17th
13) Blue Mountain College – Previously Ranked 16th
20) Lander University – Previously Ranked 27th
25) Clemson University – Previously Ranked 40th
View the complete updated rankings.
The first major college fishing event of the new year provided teams with a very valuable points earning opportunity in the race for 2021-22 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Emmanuel College anglers Seth Jenkins & TJ McKenzie won the tournament with a total weight of 25 pounds 14 ounces. Earning 1,000 points for their victory, Jenkins & McKenzie helped Emmanuel to move up five places to 12th overall amongst the best college bass fishing teams in the nation.
Though Auburn University did fall from the number one spot, the team earned very valuable points to stay within striking distance of top-ranked Montevallo, as well as distance themselves a bit from 3rd ranked Adrian College. Conner Crosby & James Cobbs finished the MLF Southeastern Regional in 12th overall. That Top 15 finish was good for 890 points, growing the margin between them and the next closest team to 980 points.
Also making noise in the Top 10 are Carson-Newman University and the University of North Alabama. As was noted in the ACA Mid-Season Rankings Review released last week, Carson-Newman had a very valuable opportunity to gain ground on the group of Top 5 teams in front of them at this particular event. Leap-frogging Murray State University, Carson-Newman is now ranked 6th, less than 300 points behind 5th ranked Drury University. The University of North Alabama also shakes up the Top 10 by surging from 15th up to 9th in college fishing’s only all-encompassing national rankings system.
Two new teams move into the Top 25 following this update. Lander University, previously ranked 27th, is now ranked 20th overall. To round out the Top 25, Clemson University moves up from 40th to claim the 25th spot.
Next weekend there will be two major events that will count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia:
- January 21st: MLF Southern Regional
Toledo Bend Reservoir – Many, LA
- January 21st – 22nd: Bassmaster College Series
Harris Chain of Lakes – Leesburg, FL
To view a full list of upcoming events that will count towards the 2021-22 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia, click here.
