By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net
Bowie High School Bass Club coordinator Trent Gillaspia is currently completing paperwork with the Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA).
Once paperwork is accepted, Bowie will officially have a bass fishing team set to compete beginning this school year.
Gillaspia expects the process to be finished by the end of next week.
“It’s exciting,” Gillaspia said. “We are going in with no expectations. It’s going to be the first time for all of us. We would like to grow once other kids know what’s going on.
“It’s hard to believe this has all come together,” he added. “I think the kids will have a fun time with it.”
The bass fishing team will be considered an extra-curricular activity, and the organization is actively seeking business and corporate sponsorships.
Gillaspia reports nine businesses have agreed to sponsor the team, and in turn, their logos will appear on the team jerseys. Students will wear the jersey at fishing tournaments and other community events.
So far Gillaspia said Bowie will have six teams, led by Trent’s son Kollin Gillaspia and his teammate Jake Rhyne. Students in the THSBA fish as part of a two-person team.
Other teams are as follows: Jared Stone and Spenser Meekins, Brandon McChesney and Stetson Gaines, the sister team of Shelbie Russell and Meagan Russell, Mitch Sanders and Shelbi Rhoada and, when time permits, Addy Cook and Henslee Ogle. Read more in the weekend edition of The Bowie News.
Bowie High School Bass Club logo. (Furnished by the club)