Skeet to Sponsor and Mentor Oklahoma State University Fishing Team
Category: notes
Aug 6th, 2013 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Aug 6th, 2013 at 12:00 AM
From the outset of his career, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Skeet Reese has been a trendsetter. From being the first angler to brand himself with the bright yellow and black color scheme that has become his trademark, to his position in the industry with his sponsors and the fans, Reese has been at the forefront of many ideas and trends.
Now, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic and 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year is set to become the first professional angler to officially sponsor and mentor a College Fishing Team. Reese; through his corporation, Skeet Reese Inc., has agreed to sponsor the Oklahoma State University Fishing Team that competes in the B.A.S.S. Carhartt College Fishing Series.
As a part of the sponsorship, Reese will himself provide each team member with some of his signature Wright & McGill Co. fishing rods and Victory reels as well as Lazer TroKar hooks by Eagle Claw. More importantly, the six-time winner will provide two full days of hands on mentorship of the team.
“I have always felt strongly about sharing my love of fishing in the hopes of being a part of growing the sport of bass fishing,” said Reese. “College Fishing programs are one of the most immediate ways to inject new anglers into the competitive side of the sport, and I want to be a part of helping foster their growth in the sport.
“These students have proven to be passionate anglers who will go to some of the same lengths to compete as we do on tour, and helping them with a little bit of gear is a way to help offset costs,but really spending some time to give them some of the things I’ve learned throughout my career; both on and off the water, is really what this is about.”
Chase Edmiston, president of the OSU Cowboys Fishing Team said he and his team are excited about learning from an angler of Reese’s stature, and hopeful about what his involvement could do for the team. “Our goal every is to win the “School of the Year” program,” said Edmiston. “Association of Collegiate Anglers ranks all college teams according to participation and overall performance in all collegiate tournaments throughout the year. In my opinion, an award like this is the greatest honor in fishing because it represents the body of work throughout an entire season.”
Edmiston continued, “What better way to accomplish this goal than to have Skeet Reese as our mentor. He knows what it takes to win and to succeed in the business,” said Edmiston . “The entire team was ecstatic to hear that Skeet would be mentoring us; we are excited for him to come speak to us about his career and give us pointers on how to succeed, Providing us with some of his sponsor product in Wright & McGill Co., Eagle Claw and TroKar is also a really nice added benefit as well.”
Reese will begin his mentorship program immediately with the delivery of product and will work his mentorship days in around the team’s school and competition schedule as well as his own.