“The Bassmasters Classic Bracket”

JUNCTION CITY, KS - The biggest dream for any of the Bethel University Bass team members is to have a chance to go to the world's championship of bass fishing, the Bassmasters Classic. Saturday two more Bethel Bass team members are competing for that very chance.

Bethel's Levi Mullins and Matthew Cummings will step into a bass boat and live the dream of being one of eight of the best college anglers in America. Today they both will fish in the Bassmasters College Bracket. Today their dream is becoming a reality.

The Bethel University Wildcats are the only school in the nation that has had three students to win the Classic Bracket.

John Garrett won in 2016, Cody Huff won in 2019 and Tristan McCormick won in 2021. All three of these young men are now fishing professionally.

The only other college fishing team that has had multiple wins in the Classic Bracket is Auburn University.

Bethel University has also set a record by having 16 of its bass team members qualify to fish in the coveted Classic Bracket over the nine years that the event has been in existence.

"This is a three-day, single elimination style tournament," said Bethel Bass Fishing Coach Garry Mason. "Just to get to be here is a huge opportunity, as well as life changing."

Thousands of college anglers compete each year in an attempt to qualify for the Classic Bracket.

The winner will get a new bass boat and truck wrapped in school colors to use for one year, plus a berth into The Bassmasters Classic. The Classic is known globally as the "Worlds Championship of Professional Angling."

"We are so very proud of Matthew and Levi and wish them all of the best today," stated Mason.

The Classic Bracket is being held on Lake Milford, near Junction City. Kansas on September 30, October 1st, and 2nd. It will be live-streamed each day on Bassmasters Live.

Good luck Matt and Levi! Fish strong and go Bethel Bass Cats!!