In the early goings, Mason awarded a few full-ride scholarships, but now he prefers a broader distribution. For one thing, this enables more students to participate. Moreover, Mason finds that students who pay some portion of their college tab tend to be more engaged in the academic side.
“ If you recruit the right people, you’ re going to win tournaments,” he adds.“ But you should be in tune with the fact that they are coming to your school to get an education.”
Hunter Louden( left) and Ty Dyer were persuaded to come to Bethel because of the scholarship opportunities available to anglers. inner Workings
Bethel teammates enjoy the usual pre-tournament camaraderie and the impromptu football or basketball games after team meetings. They also know that starting spots are never an assumption.
“ We have a varsity and a junior varsity team, and you work your way up,” says Kris.“ Coach will send the anglers with the best local experience to each tournament. During a tournament, we share information, waypoints and tactics. Everybody thinks of one another as family, and we try to help one another.”
Even when underclassmen possess local knowledge for an upcoming tournament’ s fishery, they’ re expected to share what they know with the varsity competitors slotted for competition. Such is the selfless discipline of a team firmly rooted in mutual success.
Down the road
Louden says he’ s one of several Bethel anglers eyeing the pro ranks. Launching a new career requires economic
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������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ support, and he’ s hopeful that the sponsor experience he’ s gaining through his college years will serve him well down the road.
Mason agrees, but adds this caveat:“ One of the things I try to teach them is there are great opportunities in the outdoors industry, but be loyal to your team, your sponsors, etc. Don’ t jump ship. These kids get so much offered to them, but I stress that they need to stay with the ones who brought them to the dance.”
Kris says he’ s hoping the Bethel pedigree – the program’ s history and its status among the innovators of varsity fishing – will help fuel his post-collegiate game plan.
“ My childhood dream has been to fish professionally,” he says.“ When you pull up to a tournament and people say,‘ Bethel’ s fishing,’ heads turn because they know about Bethel’ s fishing history. We’ ve had several great anglers come through school and win several national championships. Hopefully, being a part of this will be a great stepping stone to get to that professional level.”
Even for those who choose another path, the Bethel program lends credibility that has launched everything from guide services to electronics training businesses.
“ Bethel has changed my life completely,” says Chelsey, who plans to focus on her medical career and stay connected to tournament fishing by entering local events with her father.“ Not only has it strengthened my faith; not only has it made me the nurse I want to be, but it’ s made me a better angler. I’ m just so thankful for the opportunity.”
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FlWFishinG. COM i auGust-septeMber 2016