BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Northeast Wisconsin Bass Club team of Reece Keeney and Bryce Moder are no strangers to the big stage. Prior to winning the 2022 Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, the duo competed in the 2016 and 2017 Bassmaster Junior National Championships, too.
Now, Keeney and Moder are preparing to set foot on sportfishing’s biggest stage.
Keeney and Moder will be participating in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26. Each day, the team will lead out the field of 55 anglers onto the Tennessee River in front of scores of enthusiastic fans.
“We’re so appreciative of Academy Sports + Outdoors and B.A.S.S. for the opportunity to do this,” said Moder. “We’re so honored and will cherish this forever … It’s going to be something we never forget.”
In addition to serving as the lead-out boat, Keeney and Moder will be honored at the exclusive Night of Champions event and participate in Bassmaster Classic Media Day presented by Power-Pole.
“Every kid who fishes wants to compete in the Bassmaster Classic. Getting this taste of being part of the Classic will, I think, make me want to work a lot harder to get back and compete one day,” said Keeney, a member of the 2022 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.“Without Academy Sports + Outdoors, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
While Moder is still in high school, Keeney has moved on to the college ranks and is currently fishing for Kentucky Christian University.
