Historic end to Berryhill Fishing Team's high school career

What began with two sixth graders making a mark in Oklahoma’s youth fishing world has culminated in history being made—twice.

Four years ago, I introduced you to Oklahoma's first-ever youth girls bass fishing team. Now, as they prepare to graduate from high school, Rhiauna Switzer and Abigail Panak are closing their fishing careers with another milestone.

“We’ve been grinding it out,” said Panak, a senior at Berryhill High School. “It’s been hectic. It takes up a lot of time, so much fun.”

Switzer agreed, adding, “It’s kind of in our blood.”

The two have fished together for six years, starting when they joined the Oklahoma Bass Nation trail as sixth graders. They became the first-ever girls' team to compete in the circuit. That first year, they won the junior high state championship on Lake Murray and were named Anglers of the Year as eighth graders.

Now, as seniors, they’ve once again made history. At the 2025 Oklahoma Bass Nation state championship, they won the high school title on Lake Murray, becoming the first-ever girls team to claim the state championship on the high school level.

“We had a two-pound lead,” Switzer said. “It didn’t come down to the ounces we thought it would, but we were still biting our nails. Oh yeah, it was so nerve-wracking.”

The team finished with a 27-pound bag of fish over two days, including Switzer’s personal best: an 8-pound, 2.6-ounce bass.

“I kind of had a moment there,” Switzer recalled. “I was like, oh my goodness, this could be a full-circle moment. So definitely a lot of emotions all around—so much excitement.”

As they reflect on their success, the reality of their time together is also setting in.

“All I could think about when we were up there was that this journey is ending,” Panak said. “It was sad to think about, but we’ve accomplished so much over the years. It honestly got a little emotional.”

Their coach, Jason Switzer—Rhiauna’s father—also expressed his emotions as the end of the season approached.

“They’ve been amazing, really amazing,” Jason Switzer said. “It gets emotional seeing it all come to an end. It’s hard.”

Next, the two are headed in different directions. Switzer will continue her fishing career with a full-ride scholarship to Murray State College, while Panak will trade her fishing pole for running shoes as she joins the Rogers State University track team.

As they head down different paths, they leave behind a legacy on the water and a powerful lesson in breaking barriers.

“Don’t let what other people say make you feel like you’re not worth doing this,” Panak said.

“Exactly,” Switzer added. “Know your capabilities, know your drive, and know that you can do it just as much as anybody else.”

The team has qualified for nationals four times in six years and is headed to Georgia next for the national competition.

----

Academy Sports and Outdoors is giving a viewer a $50 gift card to help you enjoy the Oklahoma outdoors.

Text the word Academy to 79640 for a chance to win.