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JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – “Every now and then you have a big year, and this year it’s just working out,” said Campbell High Fishing Coach Gabe Keen. Riley Faulkner and Blake Roberts added to that big year by being named the Bass Pro Shops High School Tournament Series “Team of the Year.”
This fishing season, the Cougars have had six or seven boats, two Cougars to a boat, that have fished the majority of the tournaments.
Faulkner and Roberts have won the bigger awards this year. “Though team-wise, it’s been a good points race between Faulkner and Roberts and the team of Bryson Dotson and Holden Pistello,” said Coach Keen.
Over the weekend, Faulkner and Roberts won the Bass Pro Shop High School Fishing Tournament on Douglas Lake.
“I thought somebody’s won a fishing pole. I had no idea it was Riley and Blake winning much less a college scholarship of $128,000,” said Faulkner’s mother, Lori. The duo earned the scholarship to Drury University at Springfield, Missouri, also the town where Bass Pro Shop is headquartered.
“The two share the scholarship, and going to school there would be a good decision. Drury has a really good fishing team. The coach is heavily involved in the fishing industry,” said Coach Keen.
Additionally, Faulkner and Roberts are on their way not only to the state fishing tournament next month but to the national tournament in July. Both events will be held on Chickamauga Lake in the Chattanooga area.
The Cougars team of Bryson Dotson and Holden Pistello have a shot at qualifying for the state tournament. “That team has fished very consistently this year,” added Keen. Also, the teams of Matt Dopp and Peyton Ferguson, Ethan Oakes and Homer Herrell have had a good season according to the coach.
Faulkner and Roberts continue fishing everyday, Sunday to Sunday, heading into the state and national tournaments. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/28/2021-6AM)