FLIPPIN, Ark. – Murray State University anglers Adam Puckett and Blake Albertson qualified for the 2019 Ranger Cup University Team of the Year Challenge with a win at the recent YETI FLW College Fishing National Championship on the Potomac River. The duo will face Bethel University anglers in the winner-take-all Ranger Cup University Team of the Year Challenge later this year.

With an overall weight of 51 pounds, 3 ounces, the Murray State team just beat out Bethel University anglers Tristan McCormick and Dakota Pierce by a mere 3 ounces. Puckett and Albertson fished up the Pomonkey Creek each day over a section of flat grass. Albertson caught all of his fish on a Z-Man Chatterbait Jack Hammer while Puckett primarily pitched a Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver.

For their efforts, the duo won a new Ranger Z175 with a 90-horsepower outboard. By being Ranger Cup University compliant, the team added $2,000, courtesy of Ranger Boats, and qualified to compete against another Bethel University team comprised of Cole Floyd and Carter McNeil.

“The Team of the Year Challenge is a great opportunity to compete with other top collegiate anglers,” said Albertson. “Turning pro is the ultimate goal of just about every tournament angler. This is a great chance to get some additional exposure and show we can fish with the best. We are really excited for it.”

Teams competing in the Team of the Year Challenge receive a prize package that includes travel, lodging and meals, as well as the opportunity to compete on national television from fully rigged Ranger boats later this fall.

Modeled after the pro-level Ranger Cup program, the most lucrative contingency rewards in the industry, Ranger Cup University is the first program designed exclusively for collegiate anglers and is open to those fishing in either FLW- or BoatUS-affiliated competitions. Signup is free, regardless of which brand of boat the anglers own or fish from. To remain qualified in the program, anglers need only adhere to clothing and logo requirements. As part of the Ranger Cup University program, participants will be able to receive specially discounted tournament gear through Gemini Custom Apparel, with no artwork or set-up fees. Through this partnership, Ranger Cup University anglers can purchase fully customized tournament jerseys for as low as $48.

For complete program guidelines and details on Ranger Cup University, including payout, clothing requirements and informational videos, go online to www.rangercup.com.

About Ranger Boats

Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, with acclaimed models and series in the bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, saltwater, waterfowl utility and pontoon boat segments. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.

Media Contact: Greg Duncan
Blue Heron Communications
405-364-3433
Greg@blueheroncomm.com