AUBURN, Ala. — “Just to be named an All-American is a great honor,” said Logan Parks, member of the 2017 Bassmaster High School All-American team presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Out of the thousands of high schoolers that fish, to say that I’m in the Top 12 in the nation is something to brag about for sure.
“It definitely was hard to get here. I found out about the All-American program when I was 10th grade, but I didn’t have the community service or tournament finishes to place at that point. This year, I really went after it and did all of the community service I could get my hands on. “
Parks, a senior at Auburn High School, has an impressive record in the past 12 months, earning four victories in tournaments with fields of 100 or more boats. In addition to his wins, Parks has also earned six Top 5 finishes and three Top 20s.
“My biggest and favorite fishing accomplishment has been starting the team for my high school.” Parks said. “It’s been a huge part of my life. I didn’t play other sports in high school, and this allowed me to do something I love and compete at it.
“It’s pretty awesome that I can say that I was part of something that will go on for years to come and help kids enjoy what I’ve been able to enjoy.”
Parks started his fishing team — Auburn Anglers — when he was in the eighth grade, and the team has since grown to five times its original size. “Logan served as the main leader on the team, even as an underclassman,” wrote Drew Morgan, coach of the Auburn Anglers. “He was elected by his peers as president, and led the team with his desire, perseverance and dedication to improving.”
Off the water, Parks is the project leader and designer of a fishing line recycling project on Lake Martin. He started his own lure business. And he volunteered at the Alabama Power Water Willow Planting Project, among other volunteer activities.
A member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, Parks has received multiple college scholarships, including the Spirit of Auburn Scholarship.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bradley Roy partnered with Parks to participate in a special Bassmaster High School All-American Bass Tournament held in conjunction with the 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department event.
“He kicked my butt all day,” Roy acknowledged on the weigh-in stage. The two each weighed in 3-pounders. “I’m a product of the program,” added Roy, who cut his competitive teeth in the B.A.S.S. Nation’s Junior Bassmaster program before going on to compete in high school and college events.
Read more about the Bassmaster High School All-American anglers on Bassmaster.com and look for their profiles in the September/October issue of Bassmaster magazine.
