Written by Samantha Holschbach; James Buce
Two Harding students are adding a new sport to Harding’s repertoire.
Harding junior Todd Johnson and sophomore Seth Presley started the Harding University Fishing Club last December and are already netting major rewards. They placed fifth in the FLW College Fishing Series March 6 on Bull Shoals Lake, winning $2,000 and qualifying for the regional championship.
To date, the club only has two founding members, but expansion is anticipated for fall.
David Collins, dean of student life and the club’s advisor, said that the club offers many benefits to potential members.
“Our hope is to expand to a larger, special-interest student and faculty/staff organization beginning fall 2010 that promotes the sport of fishing by hosting presentations by professional anglers, participating in club outings and club fishing tournaments, serving the community through special projects and continuing to participate in collegiate fishing tournaments,” Collins said.
More recently, Johnson and Presley competed April 17 in the FLW College Fishing Tournament at Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs, finishing seventh out of 40 teams from across the country. To finance this tournament and future tournaments, the two-man team has raised money by waiting tables at Pizza Pro and selling Harding University Fishing Team T-shirts for $10.
Johnson and Presley anticipate competing in the Central Regional Championship in Bloomington, Ind., between Nov. 4 and 6. If they do well, they may qualify for the national championship.
If interested in purchasing a team T-shirt or participating in the Harding University Fishing Club, contact Collins atdcollins@harding.edu.
