RICHMOND, Va. - The Bassmaster College Series returned to the picturesque waters of the James River, attracting some of the brightest collegiate fishing talents with 170 boats competing from across the country this past weekend. 

Among the standout teams was the newly established University of West Alabama fishing team who were making their debut in Richmond, Virginia.

Day One: A Strong Start

On the first day of competition, West Alabama showcased their readiness, leveraging their understanding of the river and local weather patterns effectively. By the end of day one, they had achieved remarkable placements, with three boats finishing inside the top ten:

• Fifth Place: Parker O'Bryan and Phillip Herring
• Eighth Place: Chris Fallon and Asa Putnam
• 10th Place: Daylon Milam and James Dubose

This solid performance positioned the Tigers as a team to watch moving into day two.

Day Two: Battle for the Top

As day two unfolded, the environment intensified with stronger winds and a falling tide, presenting new challenges for all anglers. However, UWA adeptly adjusted their strategies, determined to ascend the leaderboard amidst heightened competition.

Their persistence paid off, as they continued to reel in quality bass throughout the day. In a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats, West Alabama secured impressive placements once the final weights were tallied:

• Second Place: Parker O'Bryan and Phillip Herring with a two-day total of 37 pounds 4 ounces
• Fifth Place: Daylon Milam and James Dubose with a two-day total of 34 pounds 6 ounces

While the Tigers did not claim the tournament championship, their strong finishes by O'Bryan/Herring and Milam/Dubose were significant achievements. Most importantly, their performance qualified them for the Bassmaster College National Championship, which will take place from August 20-22 on Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota.

The debut of the University of West Alabama fishing team marked an exciting chapter in their collegiate fishing journey, and their success at the James River is just the beginning.