Two Snead State Community College students took to the road this week, towing behind them a boat proudly sporting the Snead State Community College logo. The anglers traveled over 1,200 miles to compete in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for what many collegiate fishermen consider the ultimate stage in college bass fishing.
Mason George of Albertville and Walker Griffith of Ashville will represent Snead State Community College at the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, scheduled for Aug. 20-22 on Minnesota’s legendary Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota. The championship will mark the first time students from Snead State will participate in the prestigious competition.
George and Griffith have earned national recognition this season, culminating in being named Southern Collegiate Open Anglers of the Year. The duo finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Southern Collegiate Open Angler of the Year standings, outperforming teams from colleges and universities from across the country.
Earlier this year, George and Griffith captured first place at the Southern Collegiate Open on Logan Martin Lake, competing against collegiate teams from throughout the region. Team sponsor Dr. Tom Warren praised their preparation, confidence and sportsmanship following the victory.
“I have no doubt that Mason and Walker will be very successful in whatever they do. They are one of the best groups we’ve had here at Snead. I wish them the best of luck,” said Dr. Warren.
George has consistently posted impressive tournament results throughout his collegiate career. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded top finishes in several major events, including a third place finish at the Auburn Bass Tournament on Lake Guntersville, a sixth place showing at the Southern Collegiate event on Lake Martin and a seventh place finish among 500 anglers at the Collegiate Bass Open on Kentucky Lake.
Griffith has also been instrumental in the program’s success, earning multiple top tournament finishes and helping lead Snead State to national prominence. Together, George and Griffith helped the Parsons claim the No. 1 junior college ranking in the nation during the 2025 season. The duo also placed fourth out of 82 boats at a Southern Collegiate event on Lake Eufaula.
“This is a very big deal,” said Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore. “We appreciate them and are proud of them. We’re proud they’re representing Snead State in Minnesota.”
George and Griffith were recognized during a special send-off reception in July. During the reception, Dr. Whitmore presented them each with $250 from the Snead State Foundation to offset the costs of participating in the championship.
Now, the two anglers take their talents to Leech Lake, one of the Upper Midwest’s premier fisheries. Located in north-central Minnesota, Leech Lake spans more than 112,000 acres and features approximately 195 miles of shoreline. Known for its expansive weed beds, rocky points, sand flats and large bays, the fishery is home to thriving largemouth and smallmouth bass populations.
The championship will feature the top collegiate teams from across the nation that earned championship berths through qualifying events in the Legends and Lunkers divisions, with a national title and an opportunity to advance to the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket on the line.
Fans can follow tournament coverage, daily weigh-ins and updates through Bassmaster.com as some of the nation’s best collegiate anglers compete for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.