Schooling A New Generations of Anglers

Schooling a New Generation of Anglers

Pickett County Fishing Team is reeling in success

By Beth Underwood

Several years ago, coaching a high school fishing team was the furthest thing from Tanner Rich’s mind. Like most people, high school angling wasn’t even on his radar. In fact, from where he stood, extracurricular options for high schoolers were limited to football, basketball, soccer and baseball.

These days, all that is changing. High school angling is taking on a much more prominent role, and giving so-called traditional sports a run for their money. As the coach of the Pickett County High School Fishing Team, no one is more surprised, or excited, than Rich.

“The interest in high school (fishing) teams has exploded, especially in the past two years,” he said, adding that he initially didn’t have plans to be a part of it all. “At first, I was afraid I wouldn’t have the time to devote to the team. I knew it was gonna be a big commitment.”

That said, he did have the background for it.

Rich, who played multiple sports in high school, also fished plenty of tournaments, both on his own and in college.

Ultimately, it was his own experiences—and the community support he received when he was younger—that led him to the coaching position.

“I realized it was time to give back,” he said.

And one tournament was all it took to know he was in the right place.

“That very first tournament when they held up a fish and they all had their jerseys on—there’s nothing like it,” he said.

The students’ sense of pride and accomplishment was unmistakable, Rich said, and he recognized he had an opportunity to make a positive impact on a new generation.

“Some of these kids have never picked up a fishing rod in their lives, and they’ve never played sports,” he said. “This gives them a chance to show something they can do. Being part of the team gives them an opportunity to shine in the spotlight.”

In its inaugural season, Pickett County High School’s fishing team came on with a bang. Tyra Johnson, last year’s only female team member, earned a scholarship to Campbellsville, and the two-man team of Lucas Reagan and Tyler Cook qualified to compete against kids from across the country in the national tournament. “They came in thirtieth out of 300 teams,” Rich said. “Both of these boys are really good anglers. And, of course, that set the bar high, so we’re gonna try our best to take another team.” Reagan and Cook, who are both juniors this year, could well be among them. Now in its second year, the team has grown to eight members, and a junior team has been added as well. From the looks of things, this angling team is just getting started, which is fine with Coach Rich. “I think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread.”

“I think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread.”