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Two Former Bethel Members Turn Pro

Thursday, December 15, 2022

 Recently former Bethel Angler Will Davis from Slyacauga Alabama, announced he had been accepted to fish in the prestigious Bassmasters Elite Series.

Davis won the Bassmasters B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, held on Pickwick Lake in his home state of Alabama recently. This win was crucial in jump starting Will's  career into the pro ranks of Bassmasters Elite anglers.

 This win solidified not only the right to compete in the 2023 Elite Series of Championships, but he will also be competing as one of the top fifty-two pro anglers from around the globe who will have an opportunity at the world championship of professional bass fishing better known as the Bassmasters Classic.

Davis joins three other former Cats in their quest to be crowned Bassmasters Classic Champions. Bethel Alumni Cody Huff, Tristan McCormick, and KJ Queen have also qualified for the honor of fishing this prestigious event.

The Bassmasters Classic has winnings of over three hundred thousand dollars plus sponsorship opportunities that may total well over one million in product endorsements.

After getting the invitation for the Classic and the Elites, Davis said that this was  a dream come true for both him and his family. He said, "I could have never imagined that I would be heading to the Bassmasters Classic to compete in the most sought-after prize in the world of professional bass fishing."

Davis will join other Bethel Alumni who are now fishing professionally on other pro circuits. This includes Kyle Palmer, who just made the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. 

Kyle Palmer had this to say about his achievement: "I am stoked to announce that I have been invited to fish the 2023 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. Fishing at a professional level has always been a dream of mine since I could hold a fishing pole, and in 2023, I am going to get my first crack at it."

Palmer added, "I am humbled by the opportunities the Lord gives to those who trust in him! I cannot thank each one of my sponsors, my parents, and all who have supported me by giving me a chance this past year to try to make it happen! God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine, and He deserves ALL the Glory! Let's see what 2023 has to offer!"

Bethel Alumni Anglers Cole Floyd and John Garrett both have done well this past year as professional anglers. Floyd finished the Major League Fishing professional trail while Garrett continues to do well in the Bassmasters Open Division. 

Former Bethel Bass Alumni, Tristan McCormick also becomes the very first professional angler to have qualified while as a college angler for the Classic to then return to the event as a professional angler the very next year. This gives McCormick back-to-back berths into the field of competition, an act which is unprecedented.

Bethel now has seven alumni anglers fishing professionally. This is the most of any college or university in the history of the sport of collegiate fishing.

Coach Garry Mason said, "I am so very proud of these great young men. Together, we have created an outstanding environment and a tradition here at Bethel University which has allowed these great young anglers to move on into the professional ranks after their time here at Bethel. This is very exciting for both them and our program here at the university. Congratulations to all and good luck."

The Bassmasters Classic will be held March 24-26 in Knoxville TN in 2023.