(By: Toby Gullion)
Salem Community High School graduates Hunter Russell and Brogan Gregg capped off an impressive season for the Wabash Valley College Bass Warriors with a standout performance at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Association of Collegiate Bass Championship on Pickwick Lake. The Salem duo led the way for the Warriors, finishing 12th overall against some of the top collegiate anglers in the nation.
Russell and Gregg hauled in a two-day total of 40.64 pounds, highlighted by a massive 7.34-pound largemouth bass on day two that helped propel them near the top of the leaderboard. Their strong finish was a fitting end to the season and showcased the chemistry and success the former Salem Wildcats have built while competing together at the collegiate level.
The Warriors had several other teams turn in solid performances during the national championship event. Grayson Wilson and Jaxon Funneman finished 22nd with a two-day total of 37.09 pounds, catching their fifth keeper on the final cast of day two. Caden Pearson and Ty Leak battled through mechanical difficulties and fished day two using only the trolling motor, still managing a 73rd-place finish with 28.23 pounds. Braci and Brody Ault improved on day two with 15.28 pounds and placed 108th overall, while Lane Argo and Kyson Bradley overcame battery issues to finish 165th.
The tournament marked the conclusion of the 2025-26 season for the Bass Warriors, a year filled with strong performances and continued growth for the program. Coaches and anglers also expressed appreciation to the sponsors, families, and supporters who helped make the season possible.
As several anglers move on from Wabash Valley College, the program thanked them for helping leave the team in a stronger position and continuing to build the Warriors into one of the top collegiate bass fishing programs in the country.
