SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Brayden Rakes has been named head coach of Evangel University’s bass fishing team. Rakes is a professional fisherman, competing in Toyota Major League Fishing Series, the U.S. Open Championship at Table Rock Lake, and winning the Championship on the Harris Chain in Leesburg, Florida.
For the past six years, Rakes has been the leading money winner on the Big Bass Tour’s amateur circuit, taking home over $120,000 in prize winnings.
Bass fishing is one of several club sports Evangel plans to launch this fall, including beach volleyball, bowling, CrossFit, and disc golf. Additional club sports will be introduced over the next two years, including archery, axe throwing, cornhole, men’s volleyball, shotgun, spikeball, and three on three basketball.
“It is really exciting to see Brayden join our new emphasis on club sports, elevating the EU brand and getting the message out about Evangel, said Dr. Michael Kolstad. “We know he is going to be a great fit for us for this new season.”
In this role, Rakes will also represent Evangel University at youth conventions and university recruiting events.
Rakes and his wife, Heather, have two children, Blake and Beau.
About club sports
Launching fall 2022, Evangel’s club sport teams will supplement its robust varsity athletic teams and provide more opportunities for students to get involved in athletic competition. Club sports will compete with other schools’ teams but do not fall under the university’s athletic conference and do not have varsity status.
Club sport teams will be led by an athletic coach or by students with an EU advisor. Standards of enrollment status, grade point average, and community standing may be required for team membership. Scholarships are available
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.