Southeast Student Founds First Collegiate Bass Club in Missouri

Balancing classes and homework with a job and family can prove difficult for some non-traditional students. But John Parsons has found a way to do both. And he even has time for his passionᾰbass fishing.

While at Southeast, John founded the first ever collegiate bass club in Missouri. Although only in their first year, the Southeast Bass Anglers have been very successful. They placed third in the ESPN National tournament, 17th in the ESPN College Smashmouth Bass National Collegiate Championship and are currently ranked 17th in the nation.

It isn’t all about winning, though. John says, “Representing Southeast with a co-angler is a chance to really shine and make an impact.” He says he simply enjoys being able to meet and fish with professional anglers, as well as compete against other universities.

When he’s not fishing, John likes to watch wrestling and college football. He also enjoys lifting weights---something he became accustomed to in his twelve years as a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

John’s other favorite activities include going shopping at the mall and eating gyros from Zoi’s. 

John’s advice for future students is to “Never be able to look back later in life and say, ‘I wish I would have done that.’” John encourages others to not be afraid to take chances and “live life to the fullest.”