The Auburn University Bass Fishing Team will return to competition on April 22, 2021 after being suspended through the rest of the year, following a meeting with school administrators.
A few weeks ago, university officials suspended the fishing club until Jan. 1, 2022, according to a memo that circulated on social media. The team had violated the university’s COVID-19 policies for travel and meetings three times since last summer, according to the document.
“The club committed multiple violations of Auburn’s travel policy and was subsequently suspended for knowingly and repeatedly violating travel regulations,” according to a statement from the university. “These policies, which have applied to all Auburn club sport teams, were put in place to lessen the risk of harm and/or injury to the students, the public and Auburn.”
Logan Parks, president of the university fishing club, said that since fishing competitions are held in open air with only two anglers in a boat, positioned more than 6 feet apart, he felt that the sport was completely safe and did not violate university policy. Fishing is also not financially supported by the university, Parks noted.
“I am thankful that Auburn University and its administration were willing to listen to us and consider all of the facts with an open mind,” said Logan Parks, president of the Auburn University Bass Fishing Club. “We have reached an agreement and, most importantly, the Auburn Team is excited about being able to resume representing Auburn University as we pursue another National Championship.”
