February 11, 2021 FGC Anglers Win Inaugural Tournament, Earn College Bass National Championship Invite Share Share this post Twitter Facebook eMail Copy URL Copy LAKE CITY, Fla. – The Florida Gateway College Bass Fishing Team officially began their inaugural season with six team members competing February 6 and 7 on Lake Okeechobee. The team of Seth Slanker and Jackson Swisher won the event and qualified for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship to be held this summer. “Fishing in college and beyond has always been a dream of mine,” said Swisher. “It’s sometimes hard to believe I’m really doing it and competing against some of the best fishermen around. Winning the Florida Bass Nation Bassmaster College Series on Lake Okeechobee was a dream come true.” Also representing FGC, the team of Chase Hubble and Brent May finished in sixth place, while Zack Barrera and Bryson O’Steen took seventh. “It was a tough tournament on Lake Okeechobee this weekend,” said Slanker. “From starting with three long days of practice and not finding many spots to dangerous weather conditions both Saturday and Sunday, but my partner and I managed to pull off a win on one of our favorite lakes.” “I’m so proud of our entire bass fishing team,” said FGC Fishing coach Hunter Bland. “The idea of FGC starting a bass fishing team was merely and concept a year ago, and now we have qualified for a national championship straight out of the gate. I can’t be more proud of each angler on our team for their accomplishments in the classroom and on the water.” FGC President Dr. Lawrence Barrett and Coach Rob Chapman both agreed that a program starting from the ground up in the middle of a pandemic, and one year later accomplishing their ultimate goal of qualifying for a National Championship, has surpassed their wildest dreams. “Our blue sky goals of making FGC a national powerhouse on the College Bass Fishing circuit haven’t changed, they’ve just been sped up. We’re beyond excited for the rapidness of these students success and can’t wait to see how the rest of the year finishes – and how that affects our recruiting for next year and every year moving forward,” said Dr. Barrett. Chapman agreed, “Who would have thought our first full tournament would have been a win? You can’t draw it up any better than that! Factor in great finishes and learning experiences for our other teams, and it shows we’re also building depth. These young men have quickly gelled and come together as a team.” Seth Slanker concluded by pointing out the efforts of all involved and the all-star cast of coaches highlighted by the legendary Shaw Grigsby, Hunter Bland, and Ron Ryals. “We would like to thank our parents and families for supporting us on this journey and also our FGC coaches – Hunter, Shaw, Ron and Rob for putting in all the hard work to make this team a reality! Shaw Grigsby has taught me some amazing things that will help me in my future of fishing. Looking forward to an amazing year!” The next event for the FGC Bass Fishing Team is Friday, February 12 at the Harris Chain of Lakes as part of the Abu Garcia College Fishing series. ### Previous Article Next Article
