WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- One of Airport High School’s fishing teams finished in the top 10 in the 2019-20 Lower State High School Bass Challenge, Airport’s highest-ever season finish, and two other school teams placed.
The pairing of Tanner Schultz and Jacob White finished 9th out of a field of 108 teams for the 2019-20 season, Airport’s highest finish in the roughly five years since the school’s fishing team was started. Two other Airport teams also placed: Jack Sox and Briar Gates finished 40th, and Lane Heath and Andrew Dail 66th.
“These young men are truly dedicated and talented athletes,” said Travis Barnes, Airport’s fishing team coordinator. “Many tournaments begin at 5 a.m. on weekends, and these young men are always there ready to give their best. The families of these athletes also should not be overlooked, either. They travel across the state and are there to support these young men every week. Some parents are boat captains and are often in the boats with the anglers for several hours during competitions. Without the passion for fishing of these parents and athletes, there would be no team at Airport and certainly no top 10 finishes for us to celebrate.”
With their finish, Schultz and White will be among 25 high school teams to compete In the first Battle of the Carolinas tournament, set for July 25 at Lake Greenwood.