(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 21)--The McKendree University bass fishing team jumped back into action over the weekend at the FWL Central Conference Regional on Lake of the Ozarks.

The FLW Central Conference Regional hosted 131 teams from 46 colleges representing 11 states. The tournament followed on the heels of two other major tournament events that hosted more than 1,800 boats. According to McKendree head coach Jon Rinderer, the lake was fishing tough following those other events. There were only 13 teams that were able to catch a limit, with 96 teams that weighed in two or less bass with 38 teams being blanked for the event. 

According to Rinderer, the Bearcats were on their game as they were able to dissect the 54,000-acre lake on practice day and located several key areas and patterns that were producing quality fish. 

The McKendree duo of Tyler Christy (Bolingbrook, IL/Bolingbrook) and Devon Rathbun caught over 15 keepers and weight in a five-fish limit of 14 pounds, 10 ounces to bring home third place overall. Trevor McKinney (Benton, IL/Benton) and Blake Jackson (Carterville, IL/Carterville) weighed in a 14-pound, seven-ounce limit for fourth place, while Bailey Bleser (Burlington, WI/Catholic Central) teamed up with Trey Schroeder (Crestwood, MO/Lindbergh) to bring in another five-fish limit for the Bearcats. Their limit weighed 12 pounds, eight ounces to capture eighth place for the tournament. These three teams all qualified for the FLW National Championship on Harris Chain in Florida. The team of McKinney and Jackson have now double-qualified for the Championship.

McKendree anglers Ethan Jones (Worden, IL/Father McGivney) and Christian Hernandez (Streamwood, IL/Streamwood) weighed in four bass for eight pounds, 12 ounces to take 25th place, while Joseph Bruener (Douglas, TX/Douglas) and Harper Burkeen weighed in two bass for four pounds, four ounces to nab 60th place. 

Thanks to its strong finish at the FLW Central Conference qualifier, McKendree will maintain its second place national ranking in the School of the Year competition. 

The next event will be the the Quantum Next Generation Tournament on Grand Chain Lake of the Cherokees in Grove, Okla.