When Emmanuel angler, Dylan Akins heard his name announced as the 2024 Bass Master College Classic Bracket Champion, he was in shock, and honestly, he still is. 

With the win, Dylan saw his childhood dream become a reality, as the win qualified him for a spot in the world's biggest tournament...the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic held at Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas. Along with the opportunity, Akins earned paid entry into the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open with the use of a fully rigged Nitro Boat and a Toyota Tundra. 

In preparing for the tournament on Tims Ford Lake, Akins knew what was at stake but treated the competition like any other.

"I did a lot of research to try and find out as much as I could about the fishery. Also, I went fishing and practiced landing fish as much as I could," he said. "In this tournament, we couldn't use a net, so I spent a lot of time practicing landing fish without a net to get used to it."

After three solid days of fishing, Dylan was atop the leaderboard heading into the finals where he went head-to-head with Aaron Jagfeld of Adrian College. When Dylan was announced the winner after bringing in a total bag weight of 14 lbs. 12 oz, he was shell-shocked. 

"This is something you dream of," he said. "Looking back, it still hasn't sunk in fully but I know it will when I get to the Classic and step on the big stage."

After the win, Dylan was surrounded by family, Coaches, Pam Martin-Wells and Steven Wells, and teammates. 

"My parents, grandparents, Coach Pam, and several others have been with me this whole time and helped make the process easier," he said. "Coach Pam took a chance on me coming out of high school and has done nothing but support me and the team through her advice."

What's a piece of advice Dylan would give to a young angler?

"Dream big and never give up," he said. "With hard work and determination, you can make any dream come true. My whole fishing dream started by first getting a fishing scholarship. Always be willing to learn and stay humble in everything you do."

Dylan won't be the only Emmanuel angler competing at the Classic in March as fellow Lion, Tyler Campbell earned the final spot in the tournament by winning the Bassmaster Team Championship on Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tennessee. 

Campbell had come close to earning his spot in the Classic several times, coming up just short with a 2nd place finish in three tournaments, including the Bassmaster Collegiate National Championship.  

How did it feel to finally hoist the trophy over his head?

"It felt like the weight of the world had lifted off my shoulders," he said. "It felt good to get it done, but I don't think it will fully sink in until I get to Texas."

With a final day total bag weight of 22 lbs. 5oz., Campbell edged local favorite, Clint Knight to earn the final spot in the Classic. 

 To prepare for the Classic, Campbell will do what he does best, keep fishing. 

"It's going to be business as usual," he said. "I'll be fishing all the Opens this year like several others. I'll also be guiding on Lake Hartwell, just trying to stay fluid and keep the mechanics good."

When asked about his support system, Campbell didn't hesitate to thank his dad.  

"He got me started," he said. "He was never really a serious tournament fisherman but before I got my driver's license if I wanted to go to the lake, he'd take me. He is my biggest supporter throughout my tournament career, and it meant the world to share the moment with him." 

What's a piece of advice he'd give to a young angler?

"If it's something you want to do, nothing is stopping you," he said. "You just have to put your mind to it and chase your dream. I remember a long time ago, I didn't know a thing about fishing, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. It may take you a while to get there, but if it's what you want to do, never give up on it."

Now, these two Emmanuel teammates will have the opportunity to compete together again on the world's biggest stage in bass fishing. It's sure to be an instant classic.