High School All-Americans welcomed to BASSfest

The Bassmaster High School All-Americans have been invited to participate in a special Bassmaster High School All-American Bass Tournament being held in conjunction with the GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest on June 11. Each All-American angler will be paired with an Elite Series pro for the one-day derby to be held on a nearby fishery.

New trophies and bass fishing jerseys await the new class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans as the arrive at GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest presented by Choctaw Casino and Resort.
The Bassmaster High School All-Americans have been invited to participate in a special Bassmaster High School All-American Bass Tournament being held in conjunction with the GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest on June 11. Each All-American angler will be paired with an Elite Series pro for the one-day derby to be held on a nearby fishery.

New trophies and bass fishing jerseys await the new class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans as the arrive at GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest presented by Choctaw Casino and Resort.

Each Bassmaster High School All-American will receive his own special All-American jersey, a pair of Costa Sunglasses and the 2016 Bassmaster High School All-American trophy.
Each Bassmaster High School All-American will receive his own special All-American jersey, a pair of Costa Sunglasses and the 2016 Bassmaster High School All-American trophy.
B.A.S.S. sponsors, including Yamaha, Berkley, Costa, came out in full force to offer the new class of High School All-Americans all kinds of fishing swag.
B.A.S.S. sponsors, including Yamaha, Berkley, Costa, came out in full force to offer the new class of High School All-Americans all kinds of fishing swag.
Bassmaster High School All-Americans Dailus Richardson and Trevor McKinney of Benton, Ill., visit with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen.
Bassmaster High School All-Americans Dailus Richardson and Trevor McKinney of Benton, Ill., visit with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen.
Bassmaster Elite Series pros Dennis Tietje and Bill Lowen spend time with Bassmaster High School All-American Max McQuaide of Tyngsborough, Mass.
Bassmaster Elite Series pros Dennis Tietje and Bill Lowen spend time with Bassmaster High School All-American Max McQuaide of Tyngsborough, Mass.
The two Bassmaster High School All-Americans from Lenoir City, Tenn., Austin Winter and Bailey Fain are joined at their table by Elite Series pros Cliff Crochet and Koby Kreiger.
The two Bassmaster High School All-Americans from Lenoir City, Tenn., Austin Winter and Bailey Fain are joined at their table by Elite Series pros Cliff Crochet and Koby Kreiger.
Bassmaster High School Series tournament director Hank Weldon welcomes the new class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans and thanks them for traveling across the country to compete in the one-day All-American tournament exhibition.
Bassmaster High School Series tournament director Hank Weldon welcomes the new class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans and thanks them for traveling across the country to compete in the one-day All-American tournament exhibition.
Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer gives the new class of All-American anglers some words of advice and encouragement, saying
Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer gives the new class of All-American anglers some words of advice and encouragement, saying “Fishing is not what we do. It’s who we are.”
Bassmaster High School All-American angler Bailey Fain listens on as Elite Series pro Cliff Crochet tells a story.
Bassmaster High School All-American angler Bailey Fain listens on as Elite Series pro Cliff Crochet tells a story.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brett Preuett and All-American angler Wesley Holt listen as each speaker shares the importance of the Bassmaster High School All-American program.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brett Preuett and All-American angler Wesley Holt listen as each speaker shares the importance of the Bassmaster High School All-American program.
Bassmaster High School All-American Trey Schroeder listens intently as each B.A.S.S. speaker takes his turn at the podium.
Bassmaster High School All-American Trey Schroeder listens intently as each B.A.S.S. speaker takes his turn at the podium.
Bassmaster High School All-American Hunter Penney is joined by his family at the High School All-American awards banquet.
Bassmaster High School All-American Hunter Penney is joined by his family at the High School All-American awards banquet.
The Bassmaster High School All-Americans and Elite Series pros fill their plates at the special buffet dinner.
The Bassmaster High School All-Americans and Elite Series pros fill their plates at the special buffet dinner.
Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall welcomes the new class of High School All-Americans telling them,
Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall welcomes the new class of High School All-Americans telling them, “We are extremely proud to have our 12 new High School All-Americans representing our organization. These 12 individuals were chosen over more than 200 anglers across the country for not only their fishing accomplishments, but also their academic performance and community involvement. These anglers are very deserving of the title.”
B.A.S.S. Conservation director Gene Gilliland speaks to the group about the importance of fishery conservation and youth involvement.
B.A.S.S. Conservation director Gene Gilliland speaks to the group about the importance of fishery conservation and youth involvement.
Director of the B.A.S.S. Nation, Jon Stewart, encourages the Bassmaster High School All-Americans to reach for the dreams and never give up on their goals.
Director of the B.A.S.S. Nation, Jon Stewart, encourages the Bassmaster High School All-Americans to reach for the dreams and never give up on their goals.
Swag from Berkley and Yamaha await each Bassmaster High School All-American.
Swag from Berkley and Yamaha await each Bassmaster High School All-American.
Nathan Cummings traveled from his hometown of Peoria, Ariz., to compete in the Bassmaster High School All-American event. 

In the past 12 months, Cummings has won six tournaments, including the Let’s Talk Fishing High School Championship. He has six other Top 20 finishes, and was ranked third in the state for the 2014/2015 season.
Nathan Cummings traveled from his hometown of Peoria, Ariz., to compete in the Bassmaster High School All-American event.

In the past 12 months, Cummings has won six tournaments, including the Let’s Talk Fishing High School Championship. He has six other Top 20 finishes, and was ranked third in the state for the 2014/2015 season.

A junior at Lenoir City High School, Bailey Fain founded the high school’s bass fishing team after setting up a meeting with the athletic director. He also approached local businesses about sponsorships and obtains guest speakers for the club’s meetings. Since then, the team has gained 32 members.
A junior at Lenoir City High School, Bailey Fain founded the high school’s bass fishing team after setting up a meeting with the athletic director. He also approached local businesses about sponsorships and obtains guest speakers for the club’s meetings. Since then, the team has gained 32 members.
Morgan Fitzgerald is a senior at Salida High School and is the reigning SAF State Champion, where he bested 29 other teams for the title. Additionally, he has won two other tournaments this year, and landed in the Top 5 four other times, including a fourth-place showing at the SAF High School regional championship. 

Fitzgerald will graduate with honors (3.8 GPA) and has received a merit scholarship for academics from Fort Lewis College.
Morgan Fitzgerald is a senior at Salida High School and is the reigning SAF State Champion, where he bested 29 other teams for the title. Additionally, he has won two other tournaments this year, and landed in the Top 5 four other times, including a fourth-place showing at the SAF High School regional championship.

Fitzgerald will graduate with honors (3.8 GPA) and has received a merit scholarship for academics from Fort Lewis College.

Wesley Holt, a senior at Oak Hill High School, helped to start his school’s first bass fishing team and has served as the club’s president the past two years. He has 10 first-place finishes to his name, including the Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs State event on Toledo Bend. Holt was also an integral part of the 2015 state bass fishing team for Oak Hill High School. Holt’s goal is to be able to fish on the professional level.
Wesley Holt, a senior at Oak Hill High School, helped to start his school’s first bass fishing team and has served as the club’s president the past two years. He has 10 first-place finishes to his name, including the Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs State event on Toledo Bend. Holt was also an integral part of the 2015 state bass fishing team for Oak Hill High School. Holt’s goal is to be able to fish on the professional level.
A senior on the Benton High School fishing team, Trevor McKinney has tallied an impressive five wins in the past 12 months, including the Bassmaster State qualifier, as well as a 99-team event this past May. McKinney also chalked up five other Top 10 finishes, including a second place showing at The Bass Federation State Championship. Perhaps even more impressive, this senior is his high school’s valedictorian (graduating with a 5.25 GPA) and an active member of the National Honor Society. McKinney has already earned several college scholarships, including a $10,000 Presidential scholarship and $5,000 leadership scholarship.
A senior on the Benton High School fishing team, Trevor McKinney has tallied an impressive five wins in the past 12 months, including the Bassmaster State qualifier, as well as a 99-team event this past May. McKinney also chalked up five other Top 10 finishes, including a second place showing at The Bass Federation State Championship. Perhaps even more impressive, this senior is his high school’s valedictorian (graduating with a 5.25 GPA) and an active member of the National Honor Society. McKinney has already earned several college scholarships, including a $10,000 Presidential scholarship and $5,000 leadership scholarship.
A senior at Tyngsborough High School, Max McQuaide has placed in the Top 5 of nearly every tournament he has entered in the past 12 months. He won six of those events, including a 22-boat Merrimack Valley Bass Anglers Open. He is also a three-time Massachusetts state champion, landing in the runner-up position in 2015.
A senior at Tyngsborough High School, Max McQuaide has placed in the Top 5 of nearly every tournament he has entered in the past 12 months. He won six of those events, including a 22-boat Merrimack Valley Bass Anglers Open. He is also a three-time Massachusetts state champion, landing in the runner-up position in 2015.
Mason Moore has been incredibly successful as a sophomore at Lincoln County High School. He fished a total of 13 tournaments in the past 12 months and placed in the Top 5 in seven of those events, while winning four, including a 20-boat Madison Central High School Open. Moore maintains a 3.86 GPA and is an active volunteer for the Ephraim McDowell Pediatric Therapy Center, where he is teamed with a special-needs buddy for fun activities.
Mason Moore has been incredibly successful as a sophomore at Lincoln County High School. He fished a total of 13 tournaments in the past 12 months and placed in the Top 5 in seven of those events, while winning four, including a 20-boat Madison Central High School Open. Moore maintains a 3.86 GPA and is an active volunteer for the Ephraim McDowell Pediatric Therapy Center, where he is teamed with a special-needs buddy for fun activities.
A senior at Susan Moore High School, Penney has earned five wins in tournaments on both high school and adult levels, including a 41 boat-field Airport Marine event, where he also took home big bass honors. Penney’s biggest career highlight was winning the 2014 Airport Marine Classic on Lay Lake against a field of 69 boats.
A senior at Susan Moore High School, Penney has earned five wins in tournaments on both high school and adult levels, including a 41 boat-field Airport Marine event, where he also took home big bass honors. Penney’s biggest career highlight was winning the 2014 Airport Marine Classic on Lay Lake against a field of 69 boats.
Dailus Richardson, a senior at Benton High School, has five tournament wins and eight Top 5 finishes, including a first-place title at the Illinois High School Tournament on Clinton Lake. He also earned a spot on the B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Divisional team representing the state of Illinois, finishing first-place in the high school division and fourth place overall. Richardson and McKinney were teammates in some events during the year.

Richardson started a monofilament recycling program at four area lakes in Benton and West Frankfort, Ill. He also volunteers at the annual Rend Lake Fishing Derby. He has earned three collegiate scholarships, as well as a presidential academic and fishing scholarship from McKendree University.
Dailus Richardson, a senior at Benton High School, has five tournament wins and eight Top 5 finishes, including a first-place title at the Illinois High School Tournament on Clinton Lake. He also earned a spot on the B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Divisional team representing the state of Illinois, finishing first-place in the high school division and fourth place overall. Richardson and McKinney were teammates in some events during the year.

Richardson started a monofilament recycling program at four area lakes in Benton and West Frankfort, Ill. He also volunteers at the annual Rend Lake Fishing Derby. He has earned three collegiate scholarships, as well as a presidential academic and fishing scholarship from McKendree University.

Trey Schroeder is the current Missouri High School champion, an impressive feat for a 10th grader. Alongside this hallmark victory, he has notched another three wins in the past 12 months, along with a fifth-place finish at the 46-team Southwest Missouri High School State Championship. When not on the water, Schroeder likes to share his passion with younger anglers, volunteer with local tournament organizations and clean the shorelines of his favorite lake, Bull Shoals.
Trey Schroeder is the current Missouri High School champion, an impressive feat for a 10th grader. Alongside this hallmark victory, he has notched another three wins in the past 12 months, along with a fifth-place finish at the 46-team Southwest Missouri High School State Championship. When not on the water, Schroeder likes to share his passion with younger anglers, volunteer with local tournament organizations and clean the shorelines of his favorite lake, Bull Shoals.
A senior at Crosse Point Christian Academy, Cody Stahl is a founding member of the school’s first fishing team, as well as a varsity football and baseball player and member of the student council. He has earned five wins in the past 12 months, including two state championship titles.

Stahl participated in the water lily project on West Point Lake this past summer. He has also accepted a fishing scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.
A senior at Crosse Point Christian Academy, Cody Stahl is a founding member of the school’s first fishing team, as well as a varsity football and baseball player and member of the student council. He has earned five wins in the past 12 months, including two state championship titles.

Stahl participated in the water lily project on West Point Lake this past summer. He has also accepted a fishing scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Austin Winter is a classmate of Fain’s at Lenoir City High School, where he is also treasurer of the Lenoir City High School Bass Club. He has a total of four first-place finishes within the past year, including three wins in the Next Generation High School Bass Series. Each of his wins was earned on a different fishery in Tennessee. He was also awarded the 2014/2015 runner-up angler of the year for his bass club.
Austin Winter is a classmate of Fain’s at Lenoir City High School, where he is also treasurer of the Lenoir City High School Bass Club. He has a total of four first-place finishes within the past year, including three wins in the Next Generation High School Bass Series. Each of his wins was earned on a different fishery in Tennessee. He was also awarded the 2014/2015 runner-up angler of the year for his bass club.
Each High School All-American is pair with an Elite Series angler for a day of fishing on McGee Creek Lake.
Each High School All-American is pair with an Elite Series angler for a day of fishing on McGee Creek Lake.
Bailey Fain will fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro and reigning High School All-American tournament champion Cliff Crochet.
Bailey Fain will fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro and reigning High School All-American tournament champion Cliff Crochet.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock is paired with Morgan Fitzgerald (right) from Salida, Colo.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock is paired with Morgan Fitzgerald (right) from Salida, Colo.
Dailus Richardson will fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Koby Kreiger.
Dailus Richardson will fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Koby Kreiger.
Bassmaster High School All-American Nathan Cummings talks strategy with his Elite Series partner Dennis Tietje.
Bassmaster High School All-American Nathan Cummings talks strategy with his Elite Series partner Dennis Tietje.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro John Hunter will compete with High School All-American Trey Schroeder of St. Louis, Mo.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro John Hunter will compete with High School All-American Trey Schroeder of St. Louis, Mo.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen talks with High School All-American Mason Moore about their day tomorrow.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen talks with High School All-American Mason Moore about their day tomorrow.
Bassmaster High School All-American Trevor McKinney of Benton, Ill., will fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro David Williams.
Bassmaster High School All-American Trevor McKinney of Benton, Ill., will fish with Bassmaster Elite Series pro David Williams.
Wesley Holt and Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brett Preuett are excited to get out on the water.
Wesley Holt and Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brett Preuett are excited to get out on the water.
Bailey Fain joins the Crochet family for a quick picture. 

Fain has earned nine tournament wins in the past 12 months and a second-place finish at the Costa Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Martin, Ala. Within the past year, he has also earned five big bass honors.
Bailey Fain joins the Crochet family for a quick picture.

Fain has earned nine tournament wins in the past 12 months and a second-place finish at the Costa Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Martin, Ala. Within the past year, he has also earned five big bass honors.