Ray Scott, "Mr. Bass"
On Hand for Academy's Sweepstakes Awards

Temple, Texas angler wins
Academy Sports & Outdoors "Triton Bass Boat Giveaway" with over 100,000 entries…

TEMPLE, Texas -(October 11, 2000) - Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), and the innovator of big-time professional bass fishing tournaments, will talk bass fishing October 21 at the Academy Sports & Outdoors in Temple.

Scott will be on hand to present the grand-prize winner of the Academy's "Triton Bass Boat Sweepstakes," which attracted over 100,000 entries at the 50 sporting goods retailer's stores in seven states.

"The winner of the drawing is Allison Joyce, a Temple, Texas angler, who will receive the keys to a fully-rigged Triton TR-21, powered by a 225 horsepower Mercury EFI outboard, and a MotorGuide trolling motor," according to Laura Morgan, regional marketing manager.

The presentation will be made during Scott's appearance between noon and 2 p.m. at the Academy store, located at 1407 Marlandwood Road at South 31st Street.

Scott of Pintlala, Alabama is credited with awaking the sport of bass fishing from a sleepy weekend recreational past time to the giant in the outdoor-fishing industry. After building B.A.S.S., based in Montgomery, Alabama, to a 600,000 member worldwide organization, Scott left in 1998 to form his own marketing firm.

Ray Scott Outdoors™ is a marketing-consulting group for fishing tackle and marine manufactures. Scott serves as national spokesman for MotorGuide trolling motors, Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards and Sporting Lives, the manufacturer of SOSPENDERS, the Coast Guard-approved inflatable life vest, by Sporting Lives.

"We invite area anglers and bass boaters to come in and talk bass fishing with 'Mr. Bass,' and look over our fishing, hunting, camping and marine equipment," said Chuck Shuck, lead manager for the 50,000-square foot store, also headquarters for athletic equipment, footwear and apparel.

"Ray will sign autographs, poise for photos and have available copies of his book, 'Bass Boss,' for special signings," Shuck said.

The 336-page book reveals the insider's look at the history and founding of the world's largest fishing organization (B.A.S.S.), and the fishing heroes created by the Bassmaster Tournament Trail.

Academy Sports & Outdoors operate in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida and Louisiana with annual sales over $500 million and ranks among the top three sporting goods chains in the country.

Founded in 1938 with a single 4,000-square foot store in San Antonio, the chain ranks as the "No. 1 fishing retailer in Texas," according to marketing manager Laura Morgan. The corporate headquarters, located at 1800 North Mason Road, Katy, Texas, serves 50 stores with plans to "add up to five new stores this year," in Alabama and Texas markets.

"The emphasis on selection and low prices has made the company a category leader in sports and outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment," points out Academy's Morgan.

WINNER OF “RAY’S RIG” – Allison Joyce of Temple, Texas is the “lucky” draw among 100,000 entries in the special Academy Sports and Outdoors Sweepstakes with the grand prize, a fully-rigged Triton TR-21, MotorGuide trolling motor and a 225 horsepower Mercury EFI outboard.  Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, was on hand to present “Ray’s Rig” on behalf of MotorGuide, Triton Boats and Mercury Outboards.  Lola Joyce had a hand in the lucky draw.  She put her husband’s name on the entry blank at the local Academy store.  “I didn’t realize what I’d signed up for until the telephone call from Academy notified us that ‘R. Allison Joyce’ was the winner.  I always use his initial.  I’m still a bit flabbergasted,” admitted Mrs. Joyce, when Ray Scott officially presented the winner’s certificate at the Temple, Texas store.  Academy Sports & Outdoors, the country’s third largest sporting goods chains, operates 50 stores in seven states.