FLORENCE, Alabama (August 30, 2012) – Florence, Alabama and the Association of Collegiate Anglers have entered into a long-term partnership, making Florence and Lake Pickwick the “home” of the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship through 2017.

 

According to Danny Blandford, Program Director for the ACA, “We’re ecstatic to secure such a great host as Florence for many years to come.  Traditionally this type of long-term partnership is unheard of in the fishing world, but in this particular case, it was an easy decision for both sides and we are all very excited.”

 

Debbie Wilson, Executive Director of Florence/Lauderdale Tourism, echoed Blandford’s sentiments, “College anglers are the future of bass fishing and Florence/Lauderdale Tourism is excited to be part of this growing sport.   We are honored to have the opportunity to host the BoatUS Collegiate Championship on Pickwick Lake for the next five years. This event has a tremendous economic impact for the City of Florence and we would like to extend a warm welcome and our Southern Hospitality to all the participating students as well as their friends and family.”

 

Blandford went on to add, “The 2012 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship was so well received by both the community and the anglers, that when the opportunity presented itself to make Florence the home of this event for many years to come, both sides jumped at the chance.  We love the facilities at McFarland Park, the fishery is phenomenal, and the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism team is a pleasure to work with, so it was easy for the ACA to make the commitment.”

 

Suzie Shoemaker, Sports Marketing Director of Florence/Lauderdale Tourism, shared the same feelings.  “I am extremely excited that we are partnering with the ACA to bring the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship to Florence through 2017.  The quality and organization of the tournament is exceptional, and the young men and women this tournament brings to town are outstanding!”

 

Wade Middleton, co-founder of the ACA and President of Careco TV added, “To see the ACA and the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship grow from a “little” college event we put together in Texas in 2006, into the nation’s most prestigious college fishing event is truly a moving experience for me personally.  I knew when we started working with the concept that we had great idea; now this commitment from Florence, as well as our other sponsors, shows that we were in fact correct.  We have something special here, both in terms of an event and an organization.”

 

Thanks to this renewed partnership, collegiate anglers everywhere should plan to be on Lake Pickwick in Florence, Alabama each May for many years to come.  The 2013 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship is slated for May 22-25, with the full itinerary and details forthcoming.

 

Those interested in learning more about the Association of Collegiate Anglers and the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship should visit CollegiateBassChampionship.com.