CATOOSA, Oklahoma – Bethel University* in McKenzie, Tenn., is the premier bass fishing college in the US. They continue to show support for both high school and college anglers across the nation. Big Bass Junior Championship (BBJC) announces today Bethel University will sponsor the 2019 BBJC and will donate up to 140,000.00 dollars in scholarship opportunities and 28,000 per student in scholarship opportunities based upon up to four years tuition to attend Bethel University and to be on the Bethel University Bass Fishing Team. All scholarship awards are a combination of both Athletic and Academic scholarship offers toward Bethel University tuition. Anglers Inn International’s Idaho will host this year’s event on October 19th, 2019 and it will be present by BASSMASTER. The BBJC is open to all anglers across
the nation. The angler that lands the heaviest bass in his or her state will qualify for the championship event, The BBJC qualifying ends August 15th.
Bethel University Wildcats Bass Team, founded by Coach Garry Mason began his career as a nationally known outdoorsman, outdoor writer/photographer, and professional guide at 22 years old and has founded several outdoors festivals including the Kentucky Lake Waterfowl Festival.
In 2002, Garry, along with his wife Cindy, founded the “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame recognizing the achievements of men and women and companies from all walks of the outdoors industry. The “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame annual banquet and induction ceremony has become one of the most prestigious events in the outdoors industry.
Since 2006, Garry has been the Executive Director for Northwest Tennessee Tourism.
Coach Mason helped to create America’s premier collegiate bass fishing program at Bethel University with Bethel becoming the first college in America to offer scholarships for collegiate bass fishing. Garry has been the head coach for the Bethel University Bass Fishing Team, the Bethel Bass Cats, since the team’s conception in 2009.
“Growing our sponsorship in the Big Bass Junior Championship program is a great way for Bethel University to show continued support for the high school and college club anglers, while opening the door for grassroots anglers that may not have a platform to compete on a national level or the financial means for a higher education,” said Mason. “We are excited to be a part of the Big Bass Junior Championship and look forward to this year’s tournament this fall.”
Anglers at the finals, scheduled for late October will be competing for up to $56,000 for first place with a guaranteed Bass Cat “Margay” boat, Mercury Pro XS, Lowrance and MotorGuide package worth up to $30,000. With scholarships now from Bethel University of up to $140,000, the potential prizes are over $200,000.00 that will be awarded.
“Anglers can sign up for just $25 and fish anytime, anywhere, in the Big Bass Junior Championship,” said Bill Siemantel, Bill is a Legendary Angler in the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame for his big bass prowess and is the tournament organizer of the BBJC. “It only takes one fish to qualify for your state. All you need is a camera or a phone and an e-mail address to register your catch.”
“You are going fishing anyway,” says Brad Uhl, Publisher of Bassin’ Magazine. “Simply enter to win, it could be on your next cast!”
“To have Bethel University be apart of the BBJC is an amazing and special opportunity. Having BASSMASTER’S present the BBJC, Billy Chapman hosting it at such a beautiful location in Idaho, and now Garry Mason giving high school seniors a chance to be part of one of the most sought after and prestigious bass fishing colleges in the nation, Bethel University is literally putting the icing on top of the cake for the youth.” – Brad Uhl
*Bethel University and the Bethel University Bass fishing team is located and operated in McKenzie, TN and is not affiliated with any other school or program using the name Bethel University.
For more information about the Big Bass Junior Championship or if you would like to support and be a sponsor of the BBJC to help more kids, please contact Bill Siemantel, BBJC Tournament Director @ mailto:bill@thebbz.com or call him at 661-210-6028.
For more information about the Big Bass Junior Championship and New Official Rules for Bethel University Scholarships, click here.
For more information about Bethel University, click here.
For more information about Anglers Inn International go to http://www.anglersinn.com.
