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KATY, Texas Academy Sports + Outdoors held its celebrity fishing tournament this week ahead of the 50th Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama. Southeastern Conference (SEC) legends and members of the bass community hit the water to battle for the top spot with former Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson’s team edging out the competition to take home the title. The winning team presented the YMCA of Greater Birmingham with a scholarship and product donations including sporting equipment, Onyx life jackets and other water safety equipment for the youth organization’s summer camps.
SEC Network and ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge kicked off the event on the Coosa River in Gadsden Wednesday morning. The six teams of two were led by pro bass anglers who worked hard to put their teams on fish and the most weight on their score cards in some extremely tough conditions. Teams had to deal with rising water, rain showers and changing temperatures that put even the most seasoned angler’s abilities to the test.
Davidson reeled in the winning spotted bass weighing in at 3.5 lbs. on a H2O Xpress Lipless LCR Crankbait for his team. His late-morning catch put his partners, Dan O’Sullivan and local fishing pro Tracey Robinson, in the lead resulting in a first-place finish at the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Celebrity Tournament.
This year’s field of anglers included SEC Network broadcaster Greg McElroy, 2020 NFL draft prospect and former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm, past Cowboys defensive lineman and SEC Network analyst Marcus Spears, and former Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight. These legends joined Academy pro Jacob Wheeler and Duck Commander Justin Martin along with other members of the bass community at the event. Video and images from the day are available below.
Academy is the title sponsor of the upcoming Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, where 53 of the world’s best bass anglers will compete on the storied waters of Alabama’s Lake Guntersville.
Academy Sports + Outdoors has 15 locations across the state of Alabama, where customers can find a wide assortment of fishing products including rods and reels, baits, lures, fish finders, tackle, storage, waders, kayaks, sunglasses, fishing apparel, footwear and more. For store locations and to shop Academy’s selection of fishing products, customers can visit academy.com.
About Academy Sports + Outdoors
At Academy Sports + Outdoors, we make it easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and outdoor fun. At each of our 259 locations, we carry a wide range of apparel, footwear, hunting, fishing and camping equipment, patio sets and barbeque grills, along with sports and recreation products, at everyday low prices. For more information about Academy Sports + Outdoors visit academy.com.