Colten Newman earns the 2026 BAM Scholastic Series Angler of the Year Title, a $100,000 Scholarship to Simpson University, and a spot on the nationally ranked Simpson University Bass Fishing Team! The BAM Scholastic Series is run alongside the BAM Vexus/Mercury Pro Am Series, where High School and Collegiate Students Compete as Co-Anglers at a Valued Rate.

Angler of the Year is determined based on an angler's best 4 of 6 events, which forces these students to perform, learn, and travel. Colten was the Champion at Potholes Reservoir and finished in the Top 5 at every event. Colten resides in New Plymouth, Idaho, and secured this title on Lake Don Pedro in Northern California.

2^nd Place in Angler of the Year was high school junior Ian Ludwig from Corning, California! Ian was the first Scholastic Winner of the Season at Lake Shasta, and he has close ties to Simpson University. Ian is already looking forward to making use of the Scholarship and becoming a member of the Bass Fishing Team in 2028! Alumni Gary and Sue Gusz are excited to see their nephew expand is his education and join the line of Simpson University students!

All of the BAM Scholastic Series Anglers performed extremely well this season, and we look forward to continuing investing in the next generation of anglers! The Simpson University Bass Team is actively recruiting for Fall 2027 and beyond! If you have ambitions of being a Red Hawk or supporting the Program, reach out to Coach Michael Bray at 209-769-4546 or email mbray@simpsonu.edu!



 

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