TBF, Colleges Unite (A Bassfan Article)

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TBF, colleges unite 4/25/2006 (from www.bassfan.com)
The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF) announced the formation of a new partnership and the charter of a new Federation affiliation with the national governing body of collegiate anglers ? the Collegiate Bass Anglers Association (CBAA).

Incorporated in 2004 as a nonprofit organization, the CBAA seeks to promote collegiate bass fishing on a national scale by bringing it recognition as an organized sport. CBAA programs include new club development, consulting, competition (state, regional and national), scholarships, internships, conservation and youth programs.

?We are proud to be the newest member of the TBF/FLW Outdoors family and its first national Federation chapter, serving collegiate anglers from coast to coast,? said Troy Heckaman, CBAA commissioner and co-founder. ?We researched the prevailing opinion of today?s collegiate anglers over the past 18 months, structuring our organization and program development around our findings.?

Said TBF president Robert Cartlidge: ?TBF and our industry partners are truly excited about CBAA coming on board as a new official Federation chapter. CBAA fills a significant hole in amateur bass fishing ? the federation has a long history of supporting youth programs, but generally those programs stop at age 18.

"Now with CBAA on board as a new Federation chapter, we can keep those youth we are growing in the sport of fishing at a young age active and occupied throughout their collegiate years by participating in something based on family values and that is constructive. We expect great things from this partnership.?

FLW Outdoors/TBF programs manager David Simmons said collegiate teams and anglers will have priority entry status as boaters and non-boaters for BFL tournaments, and as non-boaters for Stren Series, FLW Series and FLW Tour events.

?All of the participation and membership benefits available to the TBF will be provided to collegiate anglers who also become TBF/FLW Outdoors members," Simmons said. "We couldn?t be happier about the opportunity to work with the CBAA to develop new collegiate programs.?