Exciting Times in Laurens: Two Students Cast Their Dreams with Fishing Scholarships!
Laurens, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement this week as two ambitious seniors from Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) are heading off to tackle new adventures—on the water! Nate Campbell and Cam Seay made waves recently at a special signing ceremony held in the Lecture Theatre on December 12, where they officially accepted scholarships to join the University of South Carolina Union (USC-U) Bass Fishing Team. These talented young anglers are making history as the first students from LDHS to earn bass fishing scholarships.
A Bright Future Ahead
Nate Campbell has big dreams ahead. He’s set to pursue a degree in Wildlife Biology and aims to work for the Department of Natural Resources. Meanwhile, Cam Seay will be diving into the field of Wildlife Management. Both students have shown immense dedication and enthusiasm for the sport of fishing, which undoubtedly contributed to their success.
Cameron Coone, the USC Union Director of Outreach and the Head Bass Fishing Coach, couldn’t be more thrilled about Nate and Cam’s achievements. “Nate and Cam both have outstanding fishing resumes,” he remarked. “I’ve been able to follow them for a few years on different competitive trails, and their hard work both on the water and in the classroom is impressive.” Coone also highlighted that their strong academic performances complemented their dedication to fishing, making them ideal candidates for the scholarships.
Scholarships that Make a Difference
What sets these scholarships apart is that they are not just about fishing talent; they are akin to any other athletic scholarship at USC Union. Plus, both students are eligible for the Laurens County Future Scholarship! Together, these scholarships mean that Nate and Cam will be able to attend college without worrying about tuition fees, allowing them to focus on their education and their passion for fishing.
Coone emphasized the incredible opportunity that lies ahead for both anglers, saying, “Joining the Bass Team is a great way to get a quality education debt-free while being able to fish some outstanding new fisheries around the nation.” The USC-U Bass Team is based at the Laurens Campus, previously home to Bell Street Middle School, and is undergoing renovations to enhance the fishing program further. The old gym is being transformed into a state-of-the-art boat storage facility!
Big Challenges and Bigger Achievements
As members of the USC-U Bass Team, Nate and Cam won’t just be casting lines locally; they’ll have opportunities to travel to various fishing locations across the country, having previously visited places like New York, Michigan, and Texas. Their coach at LDHS, Joseph Adams, who has guided both students for four years, is incredibly proud of what Nate and Cam have accomplished. “They’ve dedicated so much time and effort to this sport. It’s not easy—waking up at 2 or 3 AM for tournaments and spending hours on the water in varying conditions shows real grit,” he said.
Family Support That Makes It All Possible
The pride doesn’t just stop at school; both students have strong family support motivating them to chase their fishing dreams. Nate’s mom, Dana Fuller, shares that fishing is deeply rooted in their family, as Nate caught his first fish at just two years old. “To say I am proud is an understatement. He has worked so hard and dedicated himself to his goals,” she said passionately.
Cam’s family, too, has seen him grow into a dedicated angler. His dad, Mark Seay, noted that fishing has been a family tradition and that they are incredibly proud of Cam’s dedication over these past four years of competition.
The Journey Begins!
As the sun sets on another beautiful day here in Laurens, one thing is certain—Nate Campbell and Cam Seay are ready to cast their lines into the future. With their scholarships secured and support from their families, friends, and coaches, these young fishermen are set to embark on an exciting journey full of challenges and opportunities. The waves are calling, and we can’t wait to see what they will reel in next!
