Brett Preuett ready for the Classic

Brett Preuett of the University of Louisiana at Monroe received the truck and boat he earned this past summer at that B.A.S.S. Nation Championship in November.

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The 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series qualifier for the Bassmaster Classic, Brett Preuett, was presented with his newly wrapped boat and truck at the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Here, Preuett and University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) president Dr. Nick Bruno meet with College B.A.S.S. manager Hank Weldon.
The 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series qualifier for the Bassmaster Classic, Brett Preuett, was presented with his newly wrapped boat and truck at the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Here, Preuett and University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) president Dr. Nick Bruno meet with College B.A.S.S. manager Hank Weldon.
Members of the ULM Warhawks cheer squad were on-hand for the presentation.
Members of the ULM Warhawks cheer squad were on-hand for the presentation.
Preuett's aunt created a book filled with photos of his journey for friends and staff to sign.
Preuett’s aunt created a book filled with photos of his journey for friends and staff to sign.
B.A.S.S. Nation director Jon Stewart and Weldon explain how the presentation will work.
B.A.S.S. Nation director Jon Stewart and Weldon explain how the presentation will work.
Preuett and Bruno wait behind the stage before Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer introduces them.
Preuett and Bruno wait behind the stage before Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer introduces them.
Mercer welcomes Preuett to the stage.
Mercer welcomes Preuett to the stage.
“It’s so awesome to have the opportunity to do what thousands of people dream of — fish the Bassmaster Classic,” Preuett said.
In the background, Preuett's new Toyota Tundra hauls his new 20-foot Nitro Z-8 bass boat to the stage.
In the background, Preuett’s new Toyota Tundra hauls his new 20-foot Nitro Z-8 bass boat to the stage.
About a dozen of the ULM cheerleaders are in tow.
About a dozen of the ULM cheerleaders are in tow.
“I’m about to get a new truck and new boat, and it’s awesome just thinking about that,” Preuett said. “It’s truly been a blessing.”
In preparation for fishing Lake Hartwell in February, Preuett said he's looked at some videos of the lake and done some research on tournaments that have been held there in the past, but there’s more work to be done.
In preparation for fishing Lake Hartwell in February, Preuett said he’s looked at some videos of the lake and done some research on tournaments that have been held there in the past, but there’s more work to be done.
“I’m looking forward to getting to the Classic and making a statement that us college guys can fish,” Preuett said.
“Jordan finished sixth last year,” Preuett said. “So it would be awesome to have a Top 5 finish at the Classic.”
Preuett will utilize the Tundra and Nitro in preparation, and during competition, at the upcoming 2015 Bassmaster Classic, as well as other tournaments he'll compete in throughout 2015.
Preuett will utilize the Tundra and Nitro in preparation, and during competition, at the upcoming 2015 Bassmaster Classic, as well as other tournaments he’ll compete in throughout 2015.
“And, you need the right equipment to make all that happen,” said Mercer of Preuett’s Classic hopes.
“Brett is such a humble and generous guy,” said Dr. Bruno.
“This is great for our University,” Bruno said. “And I appreciate Brett and all of the fishing team’s hard work.”
“I’m going to ask you to step into your boat for the very first time,” Mercer told Preuett.
Preuett walks over ...
Preuett walks over …
... steps in ...
… steps in …
... and checks it out.
… and checks it out.
The ULM support team joins Preuett on his new boat and prepares to be pulled through for the audience to see.
The ULM support team joins Preuett on his new boat and prepares to be pulled through for the audience to see.
Photographers snap away as the crowd cheers.
Photographers snap away as the crowd cheers.
Preuett sets up for a few professional photos with his new loot and with the cheer squad and school president in the background.
Preuett sets up for a few professional photos with his new loot and with the cheer squad and school president in the background.
“It’s hard to explain the feelings that come with a title like this and the love that I have for college fishing,” Preuett said.
Preuett entertains the cheerleaders between photos.
Preuett entertains the cheerleaders between photos.
“I look at all of my teammates and the support we’ve been given from the school, and it’s overwhelming,” Preuett said.
Bruno and Preuett stop to talk to Preuett's dad, who will take possession of Preuett's truck over the course of the year while the Tundra is on loan. Bruno jokes that Brett promised the truck to him, not to his dad.
Bruno and Preuett stop to talk to Preuett’s dad, who will take possession of Preuett’s truck over the course of the year while the Tundra is on loan. Bruno jokes that Brett promised the truck to him, not to his dad.
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
Preuett gets into his new Tundra for the first time ...
Preuett gets into his new Tundra for the first time …
... and gets used to all the bells and whistles.
… and gets used to all the bells and whistles.
It's obvious whose truck it is, with his name on it and all.
It’s obvious whose truck it is, with his name on it and all.
“I love working with the fishing program we started at ULM and seeing how it’s grown every year,” Preuett said, as he sets up for some solo shots.
Preuett, who graduated with a Master's degree from ULM, is only now beginning to get used to the media attention.
Preuett, who graduated with a Master’s degree from ULM, is only now beginning to get used to the media attention.
“I’ve made lifelong friends through the Carhartt College Bass Series, and I just hope I can prove that a college guy belongs at the Classic, and make them all proud,” Preuett said.
“It’s amazing what the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series does for us. I’ve already gotten to work with some of the best people there are in the fishing industry,” Preuett said. He already plans to fish all three Opens divisions in 2015.
“To make a living fishing would be a wonderful thing,” Preuett said.