PARIS, Tenn. -- Graduate Student Evan Sutton was selected to the All-Academic team for the ACA Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash tournament, which qualifies him as a finalist for the Academic All-American to be awarded later this season. 

"First of all, I wanted to congratulate Wade Middleton, Kyle Curry, and the rest of the staff at the Association of Collegiate Anglers along with YAMAHA for their continued efforts to recognize the importance of academics in athletics."  Said head coach Jon Rinderer. 
 
This marks the second year in college fishing their organization will award anglers for their excellence in the classroom. The ACAs All-Academic Team for the 2025-26 school classroom is designed to call attention to, and reward, student anglers for their success in the classroom.
 
At each ACA tournament during the 2025-26 season, three nominees will be selected to the All-Academic Team for that event. Throughout the season, a total of 12 student anglers will be selected to the All-Academic Team.  Each of the 12 selected nominees will be presented at that specific tournament, of which they'll receive a valuable prize package, exposure on ACA social media platforms and television series, as well as have the opportunity to be named the Academic All-American at the end of the season.
 
The 2025-26 season will conclude at Lake Pickwick in May of 2026 with the 21st Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.  At the ACA's annual Angler & Sponsor Banquet, an Academic All-American will be selected from the 12 All-Academic Team recipients from that season.
 
Congratulations again to McKendree's Evan Sutton for being selected as one of the twelve finalists for this prestigious award!

Head coach Jon Rinderer states, "I continue to be proud of these Bearcat anglers for their accomplishments both on and off the water!"