Q&A: Bryan College's National Championship fishing team

In August, Bryan College, a small, faith-based liberal arts school in Dayton, took first place in the 2017 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship. The school hasn't been in competitive collegiate fishing long, but two then-freshmen, Jacob Foutz and Jake Lee, led the team to the title as the weight leaders from the tournament. Get Out asked the team to break down what enabled them to have such success.

GO: What separates you from your competition?

Jake Lee, sophomore: "Preparation, dedication and using practice time wisely. And unselfishly sharing information. Mainly, trusting God to put us where he wants us."

Despite being just freshmen, Lee and Foutz were major players in Bryan College’s win. Here, they hoist their championship trophies.

GO: What's your training/practice regimen like? How is it different than what an average fisherman would do?

Nathan Bell, senior: "Average guys have no pressure on them when they go out fishing for fun. Your college and professional anglers have to eliminate things as fast as possible - find what is working and what is not. A big part of tournament success for me personally is making sure all of my equipment is ready and properly maintained. The fast way to take yourself out of contention is for your equipment to fail."

"If the tournament is a one-day derby, then we will be out looking for a bite that will produce the biggest five bass we can get in the boat. If it is a multiple-day event, then we are looking for fish that will be consistent. These are fish that will hold up over a three-day period."

GO: What role does the coach play in the team?

Mike Keen, five-year head coach: "A fishing coach is more of an administrator than a traditional coach. While we do provide some technical advice, we are not out on the water with them. Our most important job is recruiting. If we bring in the proper athletes, the rest generally takes care of itself."

GO: What's the best part about fishing in Southeast Tennessee?

Connor Fogg, senior: "The variety of fishing conditions prepare you for any other lake you might fish across the country."

GO: What have you learned with the team that's elevated your angling?

Dylan Pritchett, senior: "The approach taken when on a new body of water. Consistency is the most important aspect."

GO: Do you plan on continuing to fish competitively after graduating?

Cole Sands, junior: "Yes; hopefully professionally one day. Being on so many different lakes and fishing in all different conditions while fishing at Bryan has definitely prepared me for that."