4 minute read
Hook, Line & Sinker: Bass Fishing at UPIKE
By Katie Ray '24
In the world of collegiate athletics, bass fishing may not come to mind as one of the mainstream sports. However, the newly established bass fishing program is making waves at the University of Pikeville, led by a passionate and experienced coach with a clear vision for the team’s future.
“It’s not like traditional sports,” said Head Bass Fishing Coach Gene Nornhold. “In football or basketball, you teach plays and strategies. But with bass fishing, these kids already come in knowing how to fish. They’ve developed their skills for years before ever arriving on campus.”
The key to the program’s success, he believes, lies in recruiting the best of the best. This elite mindset does not just apply to performance on the water, it extends to personal development as well.
“I attend top-level recruiting events, like the Alabama Combine, where the best high school anglers gather. I recruit kids from all over the country because I want to build an elite team,” said Nornhold. “Bass fishing is a professional sport, and I want them to learn life skills like professionalism and discipline. Many of our kids are studying business or marketing, and these are the skills that will help them in their careers.”
Looking ahead, Nornhold envisions the program growing significantly, both in size and reputation.
“We’re just getting started. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have 50 kids next year,” said Nornhold. “But I’m not focused on just numbers. I want quality students who are dedicated to the sport and to their academics.”
Carson Holbrook, a first-year nursing major from Prestonsburg, Ky., has been passionate about bass fishing for as long as he can remember. His introduction to fishing began when his grandfather put a rod in his hand at age five. When Nornhold transitioned to UPIKE, Holbrook knew he wanted to follow him, recognizing it as a great opportunity.
“What drew me to join the bass fishing team was Coach Gene,” said Holbrook. “We have a strong team, 19 guys I’d put up against anyone in the country. I’m most excited to build new friendships and travel across the U.S. while chasing this dream."
Silas Jones, a first-year business management major from Kalispell, Mont., shared a similar sentiment, also crediting his grandfather for sparking his interest in fishing. Jones quickly fell in love with it, entering tournaments at just nine years old.
“It feels like UPIKE is really focused on supporting the bass fishing team,” said Jones. “We have a great group of guys, probably the best group of fishermen in the country, and I can’t wait to show everyone what we can do.”
In a region known for its strong fishing culture, UPIKE’s bass fishing program offers young anglers a chance to pursue their passion while earning a college degree. As the program continues to grow, Nornhold, a competitive fisherman since his youth, remains focused on building it the right way.
“This is an opportunity many kids in Eastern Kentucky never thought they’d have. We’re giving them a chance to compete at a high level and maybe even turn pro one day,” said Nornhold. “I want this program to be built on solid foundations. I’d rather grow slowly and bring in the right students to represent UPIKE well on and off the water.”
For Nornhold, the dream is simple: win a national championship and help his athletes pursue their own dreams of going pro. But it’s not just about the fishing—it’s about the camaraderie and personal growth that come with being part of the team.
“In less than two months, we’ve become a family. The kids are always together, supporting each other. I hear from parents all the time that they’ve never seen a group bond like this,” said Nornhold. “The university staff, from security to administration, has been incredibly supportive. It’s rare to find a place where everyone knows your name and is more than willing to help.”
As the program casts off with a dedicated leader like Nornhold at the helm, the team is bound to reel in success both on and off the lake, shaping not only the future of the sport but also the lives of these talented fishermen.
