Entry 195-5
University of Alabama Bass-Fishing Team Wins National Championship
Part 5: What’s the Future for Collegiate Bass-Fishing Teams
Editor’s Note: The University of Alabama Crimson Tide Bass Anglers (CTBA) have become the National Collegiate Bass Fishing Champions. If you’ve never heard of CTBA or the National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship (NCBFC), now you know that the Crimson Tide bassers, sponsored by Strike King Lures, have won a national championship. This up-and-coming college sport, which has gained national recognition and lots of interest from outdoorsmen, will be televised on Fox College Sports.
Consider the possibility of a high-school freshman trying out for his high-school bass-fishing team, winning a college scholarship and competing against several different colleges and universities on the college level for a national championship. After 4 years of competing in college, these young people will know the fishing business. They’ll know what’s required to be a tournament pro, and they’ll have already built relationships and know how to work with sponsors. Too, they may have the opportunity to fish either on the regional level or possibly on the national level as a pro right out of college.
Fifty-years ago, no one would have believed that baseball, basketball, football, golf and tennis players would make millions of dollars in their sports. 
When you consider that the 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion took home $500,000 in cash and probably will earn more than $1 million in sponsorships and endorsements over the next 3 years, you’ll understand the definite possibility of high-school and the college-level championships producing the bass-fishing pros of the future. What a great way to keep a young person interested in school and provide another sport in which collegians can compete! Even in its infancy, the University of Alabama has gained ranking as the No. 1 college fishing team in the nation.
