DECATUR, Ala. – Always in the mix as one of the top Collegiate Bass Fishing programs in America, East Texas Baptist University's Tiger Bass Fishing team competed at the Major League Fishing (MLF) National Championship in Alabama on Wheeler Lake. ETBU came in 34^th out of 135 boats that qualified for the national championship.
 
With two boats in the tournament, Brayden Mercer and Corey Morris had ETBU's top boat at 34^th. They caught a two-day total of 31 pounds, missing the top 20 by a pound and 14 ounces. On day one, they had five fish for 15 pounds an 10 ounces and then finished with 15 pounds and six ounces on day two.
 
Carson Stevens and Presley Warder competed in their first national championship, finishing 109th. On day one, they had 12 pounds and 14 ounces with five fish. Day two didn't go as well, with only three fish at five pounds and four ounces.
 
ETBU has competed at every MLF National Championship Tournament since the program's start in 2017, winning the national championship in 2022.