SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For Immediate Release – June 24, 2026 – For the fourth consecutive year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) has awarded scholarships through its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. Designed to support and encourage high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in fisheries and natural resource management, the program reflects the Hall’s commitment to preserving healthy fisheries, improving public access, and protecting the waters that sustain the sport of bass fishing.

This year, the Hall awarded six scholarships of $4,000 each, totaling $24,000 in educational assistance. The 2026 recipients are:

• Riley Cox – Oregon State University
  • Joshua Goff – University of Nebraska
  • Matthew Graff – North Carolina State University
  • Cole Hubbard – Paul Smith’s College
  • Teague McClurg – Purdue University
  • Levi Umland – University of Missouri

“The response to this program continues to be exceptional,” said BFHOF President Bruce Stanton. “We have a dedicated Conservation and Education Committee, led by Board Member and Hall of Fame inductee Gene Gilliland, that gives great care to the selection process. These scholarships represent an investment in the future of our fisheries and the sport we all love. Healthy fisheries are essential to a healthy sport, and supporting these students aligns perfectly with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving bass fishing.”

The recipients are undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in university programs with declared majors or career goals in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or closely related natural resource fields.

“Each year, our independent panel of judges is impressed by the caliber of applicants and their passion for fisheries conservation,” said Gilliland. “These students represent the future stewards of our fisheries, and we’re proud to help support their educational journey.”

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame also extends its appreciation to the scholarship review panel, which includes Phil Morlock, former Director of Government Affairs for the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association; Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Ross Self, Chief of Inland Fisheries for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; and Dr. Mark Rogers, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Leader at Tennessee Tech University.

Funding for the Fishery Management Scholarship Program is made possible through the generous support of Hall of Fame inductees, professional anglers, bass fishing enthusiasts nationwide, participants in the Hall’s annual online fundraising auctions, and numerous companies throughout the bass fishing industry. The BFHOF has now awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships since the program began.

The Hall will announce details and application requirements for the 2027 Fishery Management Scholarship Program later this year.

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2026 during the annual induction ceremony on Sept. 24 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, adjacent to the Bass Pro Shops flagship store in Springfield, Missouri. The Class of 2026 includes Takahiro Omori, Rick Pierce, Pam Martin-Wells, Don Iovino, and Mike Whitaker.

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About the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF)
Celebrating its 25th year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors, dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport of bass fishing. The Hall’s inductees and historical memorabilia are showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. For more information about the road to induction, the Hall’s impact on the community, or to get involved, visit www.BassFishingHOF.com.

or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at [email protected].