Collegiate bass anglers can cash in on tournament success and save money on custom team apparel thanks to the continued support of Ranger Cup University, which is open to anglers who compete in select FLW College or ACA events in 2014. Signup is free of charge and exclusively for collegiate anglers, regardless of the brand of boat they own. To remain qualified in the program, anglers need only adhere to simple clothing and logo requirements. Doing so is made easier and more affordable thanks to a partnership with leading tournament apparel provider, Gemini Custom Apparel, who offers special discounts for Ranger Cup University anglers.
During the 2014 season, a $250 cash prize will be paid to the Ranger Cup University-qualified team/angler with the highest place of finish in each of the following events:
Cabela’s Collegiate Big Bass Bash (April 4-5, Kentucky Lake)
Collegiate Bass Fishing Open (March 14-16, Lake Chickamauga)
FLW College Western Invitational (October 11-12, Clear Lake)
FLW College Southeastern Invitational (October 18-19, Lake Chickamauga)
FLW College Southern Invitational (October 25-26, Sam Rayburn Lake)
FLW College Central Invitational (September 13-14, Kentucky Lake)
FLW College Northern Invitational (October 11-12, Potomac River)
In addition to payouts at regular-season events, a $2,000 cash prize will be awarded to any Ranger Cup University-qualified team/angler that wins either the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Championship or the FLW College National Championship. In the event that the winners of either major championship are not Ranger Cup University participants, a $1,000 cash prize will be paid to the Ranger Cup-qualified teams/anglers with the highest places of finish in the championship events.
Along with the cash prizes, the highest-finishing Ranger Cup University-qualified team/angler in each championship event will also receive automatic entry into the Ranger Cup University Team of the Year Challenge. The made-for-TV fish off, which will air on NBC Sports Network during an episode of Americana Outdoors, will feature the two Ranger Cup University teams competing for the title of 2014 Ranger Cup University Team of the Year and a $2,000 cash prize. Both teams will receive airfare, lodging and meals as part of an expenses-paid trip to the tournament location where they will compete from fully rigged Ranger boats.
Last fall, Oklahoma’s Twin Eagle Ranch, a private reserve owned by Ranger pro Jimmy Houston, hosted the 2013 Challenge. The competition featured teams from Louisiana Monroe and Tennessee Tech, with the ULM anglers claiming top honors.
“Talk about an unbelievable experience,” said Paul Clark, from University of Louisiana Monroe. “We didn’t get involved with the Ranger Cup University because of winning money or getting to have experiences like this, but that you can win extra money and do cool things like fish Jimmy Houston’s lake just for winning a tournament you were going to fish anyway, I can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t sign up for it.”
For complete program guidelines and details on Ranger Cup University, including payout, clothing requirements and informational videos, go online to https://www.rangerboats.com/staticPages/includes/RangerCupUniversity.cfm
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation’s premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish ‘n play, waterfowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.