The Tarleton State Bass Club casts big dreams

BY RILEY HETHERINGTON

Multimedia Journalist

The Tarleton State University Bass Club isn’t just a group of students who love to fish. It’s a 70-member organization with a national presence, a tireless work ethic and a passionate energy that keeps them on the water—and in the classroom—week after week.

“We’ve been going strong since 2008,” club president Cole Divin said. “We’re a club sport, so we don’t get the same funding as football or basketball. But thanks to sponsors, donors and the school’s support, we keep the program thriving.”

Because the club competes mainly on the eastern side of the United States, travel is one of its largest expenses.

Divin explained that third-party sponsorships, the university’s recreation center and the President’s Circle help the team make it to tournaments.

“Our sponsors are everything,” Divin said. “We make sure their names are on our jerseys, our boats and on nearly every social media post. Keeping those relationships strong is a top priority.”

Preparing for tournaments is no small task. The team often heads to a site a week early to study the lake and the fishery and will not get back until early Monday morning.

Their next major event is a triple-points competition at Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tennessee.

“Practice starts months in advance,” Divin said. “We map out travel, lodging and spend days breaking the fishery down. It’s a long process.”

Balancing schoolwork with competitive fishing is a challenge. Cooper Hansard, vice president of the club, said the team usually notifies their professors of their whereabouts a week in advance.

“After 10 to 14 hours on the water, you’re tired, but you get back to the house and knock out homework,” Hansard said. “It’s tough, but it’s doable.”

When it comes to deciding how to split up who does what on the boat and on the road, the team works together.

“Most of the time, the person with the boat also drives the truck,” Divin said. “Sometimes we split everything 50-50. The club reimburses top anglers with travel checks, but budgeting is critical. This is an expensive sport.”

Both leaders spoke about how high school anglers can get involved early.

“You don’t have to have a high school team,” Divin said. “Fish open tournaments, build a social media presence and reach out to college clubs. That’s how you get noticed. … Don’t be afraid to contact college club leaders, even as a junior or senior in high school. Putting your name out there helps a lot.”

For these anglers, the sport is as much about friendship and building lifelong memories as it is about competition.

“Fishing’s great, but you keep coming back for the friends and the memories,” Divin said.

Hansard’s favorite memory so far came during last year’s trip to Kentucky Lake.

“It was just an overall great week,” he said. “Everybody was catching big fish and having a good time. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”