Erica Neal, a mental health counselor in the Cumberland County School System, has been around sports for most of her life. She’s the mother of Molly and Levi Neal, two of the best athletes to have ever played at Cumberland County High School.
So, when she found out CCHS needed a fishing coach for the upcoming season, it was only a natural move for her to step up and offer her services.
“My son Levi, who plays football for CCHS, really wants to fish on the team this year. He’s very passionate about it,” said Erica. “He’s worked all summer to upgrade his boat, so he would have one for the fishing team. He’s so excited.
“I did grow up with a fishing background. And Levi really wants to fish, so I told [CCHS Athletic Director] Blake [Allen] I thought this would be something I would feel comfortable with and be able to manage.”
Neal said she has spoken with Stone Memorial Coach Butch Lefebvre about getting a program established. She’s learned about how team’s have to have access to a boat, and the best ways to find a boat captain.
“I really wanted to find out about competing against other schools, and taking the team to the next level,” Neal said. “We want to show these kids these new things and open doors for them.”
Competitive high school fishing includes teams of two per boat. Boat captains must be on each boat, but they’re not allowed to coach the anglers in any way. They merely drive the boat.
The sport follows state fishing regulations, as well as the regulations of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Association and the Tennessee Bass Masters Association.
Fishing, because it is on the water, is a high risk sport. So, Neal said the Cumberland County team will follow all regulations to help with the safety of everyone involved. She said she was going to make sure her team gets in some practice rounds on area lakes before the season begins.
“These kids will be developing their skills, building confidence and learning about teamwork,” Neal said. “They have to follow the rules, but the rewards are great. There’s available to them, you know, there’s jobs.
“It’s my job to show them what’s out there, and help them make the connections to the college teams or the jobs they’re interested in.”
Neal said she had 100 kids show up at the team’s recent interest meeting.
“There are so many ways you can be part of this team,” Neal said. “If you have access to a boat, or you may not have a boat, but you have a fishing partner. We can work with you. There are a lot of people in this community I believe can be good mentors to these kids.”