By J.R. Tidwell / Editor

Austin Anz, a young man from Stanton, has qualified for the Mossy Oak Bassmaster High School National Championship alongside teammate Ryan Scott.

The event will be held on Berkley Lake in Kentucky Aug. 2-4.

Anz and Scott are members of the Choctaw Bass Team in Centreville.

“They have spent the last year competing in qualifying high school fishing tournaments in Alabama,” said Anz’s mother Vicki Belcher in a social media post. “The two finished the year in first place for the Choctaw Bass Team and third out of approximately 174 teams for Airport Marine Tournament Trails for 2017-18.”

According to the post by Belcher, Anz and Scott have won “numerous amounts” in college tuition money in their endeavors.

“It has taken a lot of time, hard work and true dedication for the duo to make it this far in the competition,” she said in the post. “What was only a dream is now the real deal for these boys. I could not be more proud for them to represent our club and state at the Bassmaster National High School Championship. I wish y’all the best of luck next week as doors are open for great college and lifetime opportunities.”

According to the Bassmaster website, “The B.A.S.S. High School Nation is helping shape the future of the sport, one high school club at a time. The high school club members enjoy camaraderie and competition, as well as education and conservation programs.

“As part of the B.A.S.S. High School Nation, young anglers can compete in the B.A.S.S. High School Nation Opens and in the B.A.S.S. High School Nation Championship. Teen anglers can also attend the High School Elite Experience, a free opportunity for anglers who live near certain Bassmaster Elite Series tour stops.”