(LEBANON, Ill., May 3)—The McKendree University bass fishing team is pleased to announce the signing of Blake Jackson from Carterville, Ill., for the Bearcats' 2017-18 roster.
 
Jackson has put together an outstanding career at Carterville High School. Among the highlights include helping his boat to a fourth-place finish at the 2015 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sectional tournament. At the Carterville Crab Orchard Lake Tournament that same year, Jackson finished in second place and received second Big Bass honors for the event.
 
In addition to fishing in high school tournaments, Jackson has also been very active in the U.S.A. Bassin' adult circuit. In 2016 he was Angler of the Year in the Kinkaid/Cedar Lake Division. Along the way to winning Angler of the Year accolades, he registered two second-place finishes and a third-place showing. Jackson also placed second overall in a U.S.A. Bassin' Southern Illinois Lake Division on Cedar Lake tournament and earned Big Bass honors.
 
During the upcoming season, Jackson will be competing in the Illini Team Trail (ITT) events as well as three different U.S.A. Bassin' circuits. He will also take part in two other U.S.A. Bassin' events – the Lucas Oil Tournament of Champions and the Next Generation Classic.
 
"We are thrilled to be welcoming Blake to our team this fall," said McKendree bass fishing coach Jon Rinderer. "We are excited to have an angler with his competitive attitude and experience join our program. His tremendous character and leadership skills will fit right in with our outstanding group of anglers. Blake will be a wonderful addition to our McKendree family."
 
Blake Jackson is the son of Bobby and Angela Jackson of Carterville, Ill.