Fishing for a Future
Drew Sadler has been named the first Alumnus of the Month for the Sullivan University Lexington campus. “I feel happy and relieved to graduate, and to be selected from such a large group of outstanding people is great. I’m honored to say the least,” Sadler explained after being informed of his selection.
Sadler graduated recently with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing after obtaining his Associate of Science in Marketing/Sales Management earlier at Sullivan. Drew currently works at Backwaters, LLC , a large tackle retailer located in Somerset, Kentucky where he oversees the website and online business. He noted that he is already using the skills he has learned to actively pursue his dream, to become “a professional bass angler.”
“Today, expenses in professional bass fishing are so high it is impossible to compete without corporate sponsorships. To obtain these corporate sponsorships, you must not only know the industry but how to promote yourself, and your sponsors as well. My education will give me an edge, and credibility in that department.”
The most rewarding experience in his career so far has been implementing a marketing program of his own creation and seeing real-time results. “The program I implemented worked well, and not only increased sales, but increased our customer base,” he said.
Sadler credits three instructors for giving him the real-world competitive edge to excel at his job: Mike Gatewood, Dr. Ken Miller, and Paul Barrett.
“Mr. Gatewood shared so much real-world experience…and related the course information to it. [He] was also extremely motivating with his offbeat sense of humor. Dr. Miller presents an extremely challenging course, but gives you much encouragement to push forward. Mr. Barrett was a demanding instructor, but for the right reasons. He wants students to realize that in the real world, you will have expectations that must be kept. He gives you the knowledge, ability, and motivation to complete the work. He also gives you real-world knowledge that directly relates to the course material.”
Drew Sadler’s classroom experience also helped to hone his marketing skills. He explained that: “peer conversation and debate are some of the best learning tools out there simply because they force you to listen and evaluate others opinions, and responses. This is the same way that things take place in the real world, and workplace.”
When he asked about the most valuable thing he has learned since graduating, he replied: “ I’ve learned that your instructors are not hard on you because they want to give you a hard time, they are hard on you because they realize potential, and they want you to meet that potential.”
“Almost all of the instructors I’ve had at Sullivan want you to take more away from a course than just a letter grade, they care about you as an individual and want you to take something of substance away from the courses.”
Because he has experienced that level of dedication first-hand, he offers this advice to others who might occasionally get discouraged along the way. “Courses will be hard, there will be times when you do not believe you can accomplish and complete the tasks at hand, but you can. Simply dedicate yourself, and put forth the effort needed. If I can do it, anyone can. I’m not the most intelligent person there is, but I am willing to work hard.”
His biggest influence has been his parents. “They have given me the encouragement, and support to complete my degree, and to be the person I am today. They never forced anything on me, but simply told me my options. The only pressure I had was the pressure I put on myself. “
Thanks to his hard work and the opportunities available to him at Sullivan, Drew Sadler is well on his way to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional angler. So what fishing secrets is he willing to share?
“The first thing you must consider is the season. During spring bass spawn, which must be done in shallow water. In summer, fish [move] deep to a thermocline [a distinct layer of water]. Water clarity is another great determining factor of your tackle choices. In clear water, a bass will travel further to strike your lure simply because of sight. If you are fishing clear water, you may want a more-subtle lure to entice bass from a distance without much vibration or size. In muddy water, you might choose a lure with brighter colors, rattles, or vibration to attract bass from a further distance.”
Barometric pressure plays a big role in the feeding activities of bass. During low-pressure (cloudy, overcast) days, bass will often roam to find their food because they cannot be seen as easily, and because they cannot see their prey as easily. During high pressure bass will often hide in cover to ambush their prey because they can be seen easier, and because a piece of cover such as a stump is better ambush point than open water.”
“As a rule of thumb, when bass choose to chase their prey such as in low barometric pressure conditions, you may want to choose a moving bait since the bass will be moving to find their prey. In bright skies, you may want to look around cover with a bottom bouncing presentation to entice bass out of the cover without bringing the lure by them too quickly. You should also evaluate the forage base [available food sources such as smaller fish] for the lake you are on. “Match the hatch,” and use a lure that imitates the forage base.”
Congratulations to Drew Sadler for his accomplishments. He is truly one graduate who could proudly exclaim, “I'd rather be fishing!”
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Congratulations to Traci Furlotte, the Fort Knox Alumna of the Month! Traci earned an associate degree in accounting earlier this year and is currently enrolled in the bachelor program. She is excited and honored about being selected. .jpg)
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