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