(CARLYLE, Ill., Oct. 8)- The McKendree University bass fishing team was joined by an honorary team member at its Fall Invitational held on Carlyle Lake on Sep. 27.

Local special olympian Gordon Adams joined the team as an honorary member and assisted in many aspects of the tournament, including bagging and weighing in the catches of the day, and drawing out names for the attendance prizes.

"It was really fun having Gordon be a part of our first event of the year," said head coach Jon Rinderer. "We look forward to getting him on the water to catch some fish as the season progresses. It's fantastic that McKendree is taking the initiative to pair our team members with Special Olympic athletes and doing so will be a rewarding experience for all involved."

The Bearcats will be back on the water for the McKendree Coffeen Lake Open on Sunday, Nov. 30 with the event starting at approximately 7 a.m.