Springfield, MO – For the third consecutive year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) has awarded scholarships under its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. This program aims to provide financial support and encouragement to high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in fields that will directly contribute to healthy fisheries, essential access, and clean rivers, lakes and reservoirs, consistent with the BFHOF’s mission.

The eight selected applicants will each receive $2,500 to pursue their studies. The recipients include:

• Reagan Davis — Carleton University
• Cole Hofstadt — Bemidji State University
• Noah Lieberman — Missouri State University
• Colby Munrow — Arkansas Tech University
• Kate Norrid — Auburn University
• Garrett Page — South Georgia State College
• Riley Schuldt — University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
• Alexa Wasankari — Clemson University

“The response to this program continues to be exceptional,” said incoming BFHOF Board President Bruce Stanton. “We have a dedicated Conservation/Education Committee, led by Board Member and BFHOF inductee Gene Gilliland, and they gave great care in choosing the recipients. Based on the results achieved by previous years’ grantees, and their long-term career goals, we know that our supporters made a difference that aligns perfectly with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving bass fishing. Healthy fisheries are a prerequisite for a healthy sport.”

The awardees consist of high school seniors committed to enrolling in a four-year college or university program, as well as undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program with a declared or planned major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or a closely related natural resources field.

“Every year we wonder whether we’ll get the same high caliber of applications that we got before,” Gilliland said. “And every year our independent panel of distinguished individuals involved in fishery management across the U.S. and Canada is impressed with the consistency and the passion of these young people.”

Gilliland also thanked the panel members, who include: Phil Morlock, 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 DNR; and Dr. Mark Rogers, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Leader at Tennessee Tech University.

“As I’ve said before, the future of our sport, our fisheries and this program remain bright. In fact, they’ve never been brighter,” Gilliland added.

Financial support for this program is made possible by the support the Hall receives from past inductees, professional anglers competing on the B.A.S.S and MLF tournament trails, bass anglers nationwide who support the Hall’s annual online auctions, and many leading companies involved in the bass fishing industry.

The Hall will announce details and application requirements for the 2026 Fishery Management Scholarship program later this year.

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will honor the Class of 2025 at its annual induction ceremony on Sept. 25 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, adjacent to the Bass Pro Shops flagship store in Springfield, Mo. Randy Hopper, Craig Lamb and William Shakespeare Jr. will be inducted.

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 bbowman@bassfishinghof.com.