PC’s Bass Fishing Team made a difference in the lives of more than 28,000 Special Olympics athletes on Saturday. The Blue Hose anglers were among the fishermen competing for a cause during the second annual Anglers for Athletes Bass Tournament on Lake Greenwood.

PC’s Bass Fishing team finished in the top 10, but Saturday wasn’t about how well you did.

“Doing what you love especially for a cause like Special Olympics is incredible,” said senior Anastasia Patterson. “It doesn’t matter about winning. It’s about giving it your all and being a hero for someone who would love to be in your position.

“It’s about knowing that even if you changed one life God made you for a time such as this and a greater purpose than you can comprehend.”

PC had two boats in the charity event. Patterson and Andrew Snelgrove fished in one, while Matthew Rhodes and Will Alewine cast out from the other. More than 30 boats competed on Lake Greenwood, including one from Clemson University.

Local pros and amateurs alike fished in the tournament on Saturday. Davy Hite, a Bassmaster pro who has won eight tournaments and one classic, was also at the tournament.

“Getting to go out there and give it your all for a cause this big and that serves this many people is indescribable,” Patterson said. “It’s a blessing.”

Professor of Biology Dr. Mike Rischbieter, who serves as team advisor and coach, was especially proud of the team members who participated in the tournament.

“This is an extremely busy time of the year for students, with assignments, papers and exams reaching a crescendo at the end of the semester,” Rischbieter said. “Yet here they were at 5:45 a.m at the lake ready to go, and they did not leave until late in the afternoon.

“Their dedication to the team and to the Special Olympics kids that will benefit from the proceeds of this tournament certainly epitomize the College motto, “Dum Vivimus Servimus…While We Live, We Serve.”