When B.A.S.S. announced its new win-you're-in Bassmaster Classic qualifying structure, it noted that an angler would also qualify through the College B.A.S.S. National Championship.
That championship finished on Saturday, and under B.A.S.S. rules, the two winners (teammates) squared off on Sunday for the Classic berth.
The fishing was forgettable (Arkansas + summer = tough), but Stephen F. Austin's Andrew Upshaw from Hemphill, Texas, defeated Ryan Watkins to secure the Classic berth. Upshaw's 3-05 total bested Watkins by 11 ounces.
Upshaw, who lives on Toledo Bend, has dreamed of being a professional bass fisherman for years.
"When I was in high school, I said I was going to fish professionally and people laughed at me," Upshaw said. "I just didn't pay any attention to that. I want to go to the Bassmaster Classic and win it. I don't want a Top 10 or a Top 20 finish. I want to win it."
