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April 22, 2013

Members of ÍřĆŘĂĹ's Fishing Team reel in the FLW National Championship

The fishing duo of Paul Clark and Brett Preuett are known for their ability to pull off the big win on the river.

This past weekend, the two University of Louisiana at Monroe students nabbed their biggest win yet, capturing the FLW College National Fishing Championship on Beaver Lake, in Rogers, Ark.

“We were in 15th place after the first day,” said Clark, a senior construction management major from Monroe.

“On the second day we caught an 18 pound fish that propelled us into third place, and on the last day, we pulled through and won.”

Clark and Preuett—a graduate student from Colfax—walked away with a prize package worth $30,000, which includes a new boat.

The team also received automatic qualification into the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup World Championship, Aug. 15-18, in Shreveport.

Team adviser, Ralph Swillie shared in team’s highs and lows.

“I spoke to them every day,” said Swillie

“The first day they were down, they thought they had lost it. The second day they were hopeful, and then they won it all.”

The team posted a total three-day weight of 40 pounds, three ounces, beating the team from the University of North Carolina- Charlotte, who posted a three-day total of 39 pounds, 10 ounces.

Clark said, “It’s awesome. Not only are we excited to be national champions, but Brett and I are graduating and we are excited to leave something for the guys still here. We are two of the founding members of this team and I feel like we have set the guys up for future success.”

More about the FLW:

According to their website, FLW is the premier tournament fishing organization that provides fishing resources and entertainment to anglers, sponsors, fans and host communities.

FLW’s tournament circuits are geared to meet the needs of all anglers regardless of experience level or ability.

Ranging from weekend bass-fishing competitions to top-level pro bass events, FLW offers a complete array of tournament-fishing options that allow anglers to progress at their own pace.

With tournament trails designed for every level of fishing ability, anglers can always find a viable FLW tournament circuit tailor made to their specific level of experience.

For more information, visit www.flwoutdoors.com

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