Chapman is no stranger to producing college-level athletes, but until now, no one had gone to fish at the college level.

That’s changed.

Senior Ross Parris is the first angler in District One history to sign to fish at the college level. He will fish at Lander.  

“I feel like I’m making a way for others trying to achieve their goals and dreams,” Parris said.

Parris has always looked at fishing as a career.

“I most definitely see myself fishing long term. It’s always been my dream to become a professional fisherman,” Parris said.

Fishing representative Andrew McMillan is very proud of Ross because of his accomplishments.

“It feels really good to be apart of the first angler signing in district history,” he said. “I’m really proud of Ross because he worked really hard for that. I did help him a lot, but he did most of it on his own. He took it into his own hands when it came to applying for colleges that offer fishing.”

McMillan sees a bright future for the fishing team now that Ross has opened doors for others that have the same mindset.

“Ross’s signing kind of opens the door for everyone else, it may open the eyes for others to realize they can go to school for that. A lot of schools are realizing that there is a big interest for fishing. It’s kind of a ‘If he can do it, I can do it,’”McMillan said.