PC fishers take first in state
The Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association State Champs – that’s a title claimed this year by the Phil Campbell Fishing Team.
The Phil Campbell Fishing Team went into the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association State Classic May 5-6 as the No. 2 team in the state. The fishermen came out as No. 1.
“Going into the tournament, we knew we had very tough competition,” adviser Elisha Mansell said. “But the boys were determined to come home as the state champs, and they did.”
The tournament, held on Lake Eufala was a two-day tourney with a 200-boat field. Phil Campbell went into the tournament with 2,531 points behind Corner High School with 2,592 and with Moody right behind them with 2,502. Phil Campbell had five boats competing in the event.
Day 1, Dakota Mansell and Isaac Cummings had 8.09 pounds; Cade Baker and Easton Cummings had 9.06 pounds; Levi Rodgers and Joshua Burcham had 6.63 pounds; Seth Hall and Trey Benford had 6.54 pounds; and Eli Jackson and Eric Allen had 1.89 pounds.
“After weigh-in Friday we had a little pep talk with the boys to encourage them to do their best and never give up,” Mansell said. “Donnie Cummings, one of our boat captains, told them to leave it all on the water, and that is exactly what they did.”
Day 2 total weight with Day 1 was Easton and Cade, 20.45 pounds; Dakota and Isaac, 17.77 pounds; Levi and Joshua, 17.61 pounds; Seth and Trey, 22.31 pounds; and Eli and Eric, 4.61 pounds.
“At the Classic tournament, the ASABFA gives awards for the Classic and then announces the state champions,” Mansell explained. “State champions are determined by the points the teams earn in their three qualifier tournaments and the Classic points added together.”
Phil Campbell had two boats to place in the Top 10 Saturday: Easton and Cade finished in tenth place, while Seth and Trey finished in sixth place. Dakota and Isaac finished in 22nd, Levi and Joshua finished 24th, and Eli and Eric finished 132nd. Phil Campbell finished as a team in the ASABFA Classic Tournament in first place with 865 points. “With these points added to the 2,531 points going into this tournament, Phil Campbell was able to come home as the 2017 ASABFA State Champions,” Mansell said. “On behalf of the Phil Campbell Fishing Team, I would like to say thank you to all who have supported us throughout the year. It has been an incredible experience.
“One thing we have learned as a team this year is teamwork makes the dream work. It has been a dream of ours to bring home this title since we started, and we worked as a team to make this dream come true.”
