Rio pair finishes historic national tournament run

Rio Grande Sports Information
     JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The University of Rio Grande bass fishing team wrapped up its 2024-25 schedule with a pair of its team members participating in the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster National Championship at Cherokee Lake.
     The duo of senior Cody Brumfield (Gallipolis, OH) and junior Alexander McCarty (Bloomingburg, OH) brought in a trio of fish totaling 6.9 lbs. for a two-day weight of 8.12 lbs. and a 124th place finish.
     "There were 50 Colleges/Universities, 154 teams, the best of the best - big bass, big stage, big dreams," said Rio Grande head coach Tom Sutton. "It wasn't the results we were after, but it was a great learning experience and opportunity of a lifetime for Cody and Alexander. The hype and atmosphere of the 'Natty' and representation of the best of the best was everything we hoped it would be and then some. Most collegiate anglers would give anything to have this opportunity and our guys truly embraced the occasion."
     The tournament marked the first time in program history that a team of Rio anglers had qualified for the prestigious Bassmaster event and the second team to qualify for a National Championship, joining Evan Bowman and Eli Daniels, who qualified for the 2022 Major League Fishing National Championship.
     "This event was a big step in the right direction for our program," Sutton added. "Cody and Alexander currently hold our only two tournament wins and have set the bar for our program with their achievements."
     Rio Grande will kick off its 2025-26 season on Sept. 14 with an event in Marbury, Va. on the Potomac River.