PONCA CITY, Okla. (April 24, 2006) - The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF) announced today the formation of a new partnership and the charter of a new federation affiliation with the national governing body of collegiate anglers - the Collegiate Bass Anglers Association (CBAA).
Incorporated in 2004 as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, the CBAA functions as the national governing body of intercollegiate bass fishing. It is not just another organization throwing its line into tournament waters or focusing on made-for-television events. The CBAA seeks to promote collegiate bass fishing on a national scale by bringing it recognition as an organized and standard collegiate sport. It is dedicated to the recruitment, retention and successful development of tomorrow's anglers and outdoor leaders by providing a vehicle for student athletes to excel in the areas of personal, professional and angling development. The development of the whole angler is vital to insure that our rich angling heritage retains a solid foundation for tomorrow and years to come. CBAA programs include new club development; consulting; state, regional, and national athletic competition; scholarships; internships; conservation and youth programs.
"We are proud to be the newest member of the TBF/FLW Outdoors family and its first national federation chapter, serving collegiate anglers from coast to coast," said Troy Heckaman, CBAA commissioner and co-founder. "We researched the prevailing opinion of today's collegiate anglers over the past 18 months, structuring our organization and program development around our findings."
TBF President Robert Cartlidge said: "TBF and our industry partners are truly excited about CBAA coming on board as a new official federation chapter. CBAA fills a significant hole in amateur bass fishing. The federation has a long history of supporting youth programs, but generally those programs stop at age 18. I cannot place enough emphasis on the importance of a good college education. Now with CBAA on board as a new federation chapter, we can keep those youth we are growing in the sport of fishing at a young age active and occupied throughout their collegiate years by participating in something based on family values and that is constructive. There is plenty in a college atmosphere that can sidetrack a young person down the wrong path. Now angling teams can be formed and compete in their chosen sport at the college and national level. Millions of bass anglers nationwide will now be able to cheer for and support their favorite college team! We expect great things from this partnership."
"Collegiate teams and anglers will have new tournament opportunities available to them, including priority entry status into our Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League tournaments as boaters and co-anglers as well as co-anglers in the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series and Stren Series," said David Simmons, FLW Outdoors/TBF programs manager. "All of the participation and membership benefits available to the TBF will be provided to these collegiate anglers who also become TBF/FLW Outdoors members. We couldn't be happier about the opportunity to work with the CBAA to develop new collegiate programs."