The University of Arkansas Bass Fishing club took to the Bassmaster Classic stage in front of a crowd of more than 11,000 enthusiastic fans on Sunday, Feb. 26, in Shreveport, La. Arkansas competed against defending champions Louisiana State University and home favorite LSU-Shreveport. With a total weight of 26 pounds of bass, Arkansas was crowned the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic title.

“Standing on the Classic stage was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had,” senior Michael ‘Mook’ Miller said. “The whole experience was amazing and one that I will hopefully get to experience again.”

The Arkansas Bass Fishing club made several media appearances at one of the largest tackle/boat shows in the world and signed autographs for all of their Razorback fans. “The experience of media day was unreal,” said sophomore Kenneth Anderson. “It gave me more motivation to keep working hard at fishing and be successful.”

Being invited to the Bassmaster Classic and standing on the same stage as some of the greatest anglers on the tour is a great honor afforded to few school clubs. Drew Porto, sophomore, recollects his time in Shreveport as, “the best fishing experience I have ever had in my life.” And beating LSU in Louisiana? “Amazing,” according to Jared Kennemer, sophomore.

Next year’s Bassmaster Classic will be held in Tulsa, Okla., with the professionals fishing on Grand Lake. Hank Weldon, College Classic Tournament Director, anticipates that the Razorbacks will defend their title from the University of Tulsa, University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University.

For a complete question and answer session with the college anglers, visit the Arkansas Club Sports Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ARClubSports. Tune into ESPN 2 this weekend to watch Arkansas win the title.

To support the University Recreation club sports, like Bass Fishing, purchase apparel online or at the Razorback Shop in the Arkansas Union. Both short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles in a variety of colors are available for purchase for nine different clubs. A portion of the proceeds will go to individual club sport teams supported by the sale.

For questions, please contact Shannon Dere at 575-6736 or sdere@uark.edu.