Rhea County High School Angler Coach Leaves Behind 10 Years of Memories

June 30, 2020 Evensville, Tn --  Brian Derlak decided recently to step away from his job as Rhea County High School Fishing coach in June, after 10 years as coach. There were only two fishing teams when the Eagles were born and the other one was Grundy County.  There were 14 members on the original team and during the years the Eagles came to be the largest team in the state with over 50 members.  During his time as the founding and only Eagles coach, Devin Wallis, Dylan Pritchett, Tyler Price, Wade Sneed and Austin Goins signed scholarship offers with colleges. Brian took time to reflect on his 10 years with Rhea County High School Fishing Team. When and why did you get the idea for a fishing team? "I started to see that FLW and Bassmaster had started into the college level in 2009 and knew that high school fishing wouldn’t be too far behind.  I saw way too many students that liked to hunt and fish.  The vision was to get kids involved in fishing and hold them accountable academically if they were serious about joining the Eagle Anglers." What is the most important lesson learned from your time as Rhea County High School fishing coach? "I have learned many lessons over the past 10 years.  I think the biggest lesson that I learned is to have high expectations of all of my fishermen and hold them accountable for their actions.  I have learned that most students abilities rise when challenged.  Praise them as often as possible and correct them when necessary." What are the essential ingredients to a successful program? "Be organized, be consistent, be flexible, have high expectations of your athletes, build positive relationships, model and demand respect." What are the traits that made for your best anglers? "The best fishermen are always paying attention to changes in the atmosphere, water temperature, water clarity, and are always trying new techniques on how to catch fish.  They have learned how to fish and adjust to the conditions.  They pay attention to detail and they have learned to listen. They are coachable and that is extremely important." Who are some of the community businesses that have been there from the start to support the team? "There are hundreds of people to thank. I would hate to inadvertently miss anyone.  They know if they had helped the team. Our community support has been unbelievable!" List a few of your favorite moments from your team's fishing competitions? "We had numerous successes over the ten-year period.  Some of my favorite moments we’re getting to have breakfast with the team before we fished, hanging out on the dock with them before blast off, and getting to watch the kids experience all different emotional ranges during the weigh ins.  My son, David, was on the team for four years.  It was truly a blessing to not only be the coach, but to also be his boat captain and watch the event from a very personal perspective.  My wife, Lori, was our biggest fan and cheerleader.  I was truly blessed to have great family support over the years." Talk about your fishing background and how you got interested in fishing and the person who influenced you? "I can remember back to where my great grandfather, grandfather, and my dad took me fishing at a very young age.  I do not remember catching my first fish, but there’s always been something about the water that has attracted me.  Catching tadpoles, minnows, crayfish, turtles, or whatever, I have always enjoyed being around the water." Talk about the day you took the idea of a fishing team before school officials? "Starting your non-traditional school team for me was in issue about how it would be perceived.  Fishing?  Reaching out to a group of people that did not play a traditional sport did interest me and I had no problem in pursuing that." Talk about the support you received from school officials during your time as coach? "I truly appreciate the consistent support from the school board, school administrators, and teachers over the past ten years.  The team had a 100% graduation rate over this time and I am truly proud to say that was my goal from the onset.  They all graduated and everyone who had a stake in this should be extremely proud." Give me a couple of sentences about the growth of high school and college fishing over the last 10 years. "The growth of high school and college fishing has been unbelievable the past 10 years.  A student can now receive a scholarship to go to a four-year college or university just like a football or baseball player would." What has been your favorite lake(s) to fish ? "Chickamauga or Watts Bar because it’s close to home.  Lake Guntersville is 2 hours away, but the fishing is incredible.  I also love fishing in the Santee Cooper lakes in South Carolina when I was in college.  There’s nothing like fishing in the swamp!" Favorite time of the year to fish? "All year. Each season has its own different techniques which I enjoy many different techniques of catching fish." Favorite time of the day to fish? "Early and late. I like it when there are low light conditions." Most difficult fish to catch?  "The adult largemouth and smallmouth are the hardest to catch.  They did not get big by being dumb!" What do you think is the best tasting fish?  "Crappie are the best tasting fish, in my opinion." Share a childhood memory about fishing. "I have many childhood memories about fishing,  but the best memory I have is my dad always taking time to take me fishing.  When dad passed in 2015, it left a big void in in my life.  Losing your best fishing buddy is not easy and I am glad that David enjoys getting in the boat with me now.  The conversations are generally deep and we always have lots of laughs!"