SAN ANTONIO, Texas. - The McKendree University Anglers take first in the National rankings in the race for Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia as of September 25th. 

The Bearcat Anglers ascended to the top spot this week with a total of 8,220 points after a strong performance in Kentucky and Tennessee. At the Murray State Invitational hosted in Kentucky, the Bearcats had three boats finish in the top eight out of 35 boats, including senior Tomas Matual and senior Grant Olsen finishing in second. At the ACA Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash in Tennessee, the team finished fourth out of 60 schools. Trailing McKendree in the rankings are Murray State University in second with 7,640 and the University of Montevallo in third with 7,360.

"I am extremely proud of our team's consistency again this season," said Coach Jon Rinderer. "These guys always work incredibly hard to keep McKendree near the top." The last time the Bearcat Anglers won the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year title was in 2019 and 2021.

The McKendree Anglers next travel to Russellville, Arkansas on October 14th-15th to compete in the ACA Bass Pro Collegiate Series.