LEESBURG, Fla. - Eight McKendree bass fishing duos competed at the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shop. This event hosted 275 boats and was held at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla. on Jan. 28-29.

Juniors Colton Hill and Tomas Matual led the Bearcats, weighing in at 32 pounds, 6 ounces. This performance qualified them for the National Championship and placed them 27th overall. The highlight of their weekend was a 11 pound, 4 ounce Florida largemouth on day two.

Fifth year senior Trey Schroeder and sophomore Lane Stephens started strong with a day one weigh in of 21 pounds, 10 ounces. After a day two weight of 8 pounds, 7 ounces, they finished 48th overall with a total of 29 pounds, 1 ounce.

Below are the other Bearcat teams that competed:

94th - Sophomore Kyle Hopping and freshman Tucker Siminak - 24 pounds, 14 ounces.

107th - Freshman Zach Pocos and senior Trey Budach - 23 pounds, 9 ounces.

139th - Sophomore Evan Sutton and junior Grant Olsen - 20 pounds, 9 ounces.

157th - Sophomore Jack Stevens and junior Harmon Marien - 19 pounds, 6 ounces.

180th - Senior Nick Holtgrave and junior Jason Qualich - 17 pounds, 5 ounces.

208th - Sophomores Jaxson Freeman and Maxwell Trotter - 13 pounds, 10 ounces.

Next up, the Bearcats will be taking seven boats to the MLF National Championship on Feb. 21-23 at Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Fla.