KENTUCKY LAKE, Ky. - The McKendree University bass fishing team competed in the Major League Fishing Open this past weekend, consisting of 51 schools and 231 boats.

Despite having their boat in the shop all week, graduate student Harmon Marien and senior Maxwell Trotter were able to weigh in a five-bass limit for 16-4 and 17th place, punching their ticket to the National Championship. Another team earning a bid was the team of senior Evan Sutton and graduate student Colton Hill. Their limit weighed 16-3 for 18th place. 

Right on their heels was freshman duo Chase Logue and Mason Darling, with five for 15-15 placing them 19th, and sending them to the National Championship. Senior duo Jack Stephens and Jaxson Freeman had another great tournament and double qualified for the National Championship by placing 31st, with five bass for 14-14. The Bearcats have now qualified seven teams for the MLF National Championship. McKendree earned the fifth-highest point total of the 51 teams in the MLF Tournament.

Other Bearcat Angler Teams Weighing In:
44th - Ryan Foster and Angelo Malek - 14-1 
61st - Liam Bonnett and Matthew Qualich - 12 pounds
63rd - Zach Pocos and Connor Hall - 11-15 
69th - Henry Fleddermann and Blake Tinsley - 11-4 
73rd - Parker Welch and Cole Sampson - 10-15 
95th - Tucker Siminak and Kai Barnett - 9-3 
103rd - Evan McCormick and Carson Belville - 8-6 
155th - Kyle Hopping and Zach Widelski - 3-11 


McKendree has been ranked No. 3 in the ACA Bass Pro Shops School of the Year Race as of March 24, conducted by the Association of Collegiate Anglers. The Bearcat Anglers are back in action April 2-3 at the Bassmaster College Series on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma.