TOP PHOTO: Cougar Riley Faulkner signed scholarship papers on Tuesday to become a member of the Carson-Newman University Anglers. His future college coach, Hunter “Joey” Sales, looks on as does his Campbell Coach Gabe Keen (left).

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Campbell High Senior Riley Faulkner’s highly decorated fishing career will continue at the collegiate level. Faulkner, Mr. Campbell County High School, signed scholarship papers with C-N on Tuesday morning in the Campbell High Auditorium.

Riley Faulkner’s teammates celebrated his special day with him on Tuesday.

Faulkner had other offers though Carson-Newman won out. “Being close to home was the difference maker,” said Faulkner. It doesn’t hurt that the Jefferson City campus is convenient to his two favorite lakes, Norris and Cherokee.

The Carson-Newman Coach, Hunter “Joey” Sales, was impressed with Faulkner’s fishing abilities, but it was his character and integrity that created such great interest in recruiting him. “The other coaches who were recruiting him bragged about how well Riley handled breaking the news to them that he was signing elsewhere,” said Coach Sales.

Former Cougar Austin Smith will serve as a friendly face for Faulkner. Smith’s a member of the C-N team.

Joining Riley Faulkner are his high school coach Gabe Keen (left) and Joey Sales.

Faulkner’s work ethic is second to none. He’s on the lake fishing three to four times a week regardless of the weather. He was last on the lake on Friday and laughed that even he was not going to try and tackle Saturday’s snow storm to fish.

The high school fishing season opens this weekend for Faulkner and the Cougars. They’ll take part in a tourney at Loudon.

“I’ve worked toward college. I’ve always wanted to go to college and fish,” said Faulkner. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/16/2022-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S JOSH PARKER)

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