The Wabash Valley College Bass Fishing Team turned in two solid performances on September 27th and 28th as they competed in consecutive McKendree University Invitationals. Across the two days of competition, the Warriors faced strong fields that included nine other collegiate programs from across the Midwest.
Day One – Vandalia Lake Invitational
Saturday's event took place at Vandalia Lake in Vandalia, Illinois, featuring 25 boats from nine schools. Represented programs included McKendree University, Drury University, Illinois State University, John Wood Community College, SIU-Edwardsville, the University of Illinois, and both University of Wisconsin–Madison and Stevens Point campuses.
Leading the way for the Warriors were Grayson Wilson and Jaxon Funneman, who brought 9.17 pounds to the scales to secure 7th place. Caden Pearson and Ty Leak followed close behind with 7.40 pounds, earning an 11th-place finish.
McKendree University ultimately took home the win with a total of 15.19 pounds. Other Warrior teams competing included Brody and Braci Ault, Jeff Jones and Ryan Olsen, Kolby Baker and Tucker Oakes, and Zac Corell and Grace Olsen.
Reflecting on the event, Grayson Wilson said,
"Going into Vandalia, it was a lake that I've never been to or even heard of. We started off fishing shallow and I got a really nice one on a buzzbait, so I locked a topwater in my hand for the rest of the day and ended up with a decent bag of fish."
Day Two – Lake Springfield Invitational
On Sunday, the Warriors traveled to Lake Springfield in Springfield, Illinois for another tough field of 25 boats representing 10 schools. Once again, McKendree University topped the leaderboard with a total weight of 14.37 pounds, while WVC turned in several strong finishes.
Orion Dunlap and Emmarie Bires led the team with 8.50 pounds, earning 7th place overall. Ryan and Grace Olsen followed closely in 10th with 7.86 pounds. Other Warriors competing included Kolby Baker and Tucker Oakes, Cooper Lobeck and Colton Starnes, Grayson Wilson and Jaxon Funneman, Wyatt Stamper and Will Cali, Brody and Braci Ault, and Lane Argo and Kyson Bradley.
Reflecting on his performance, Orion Dunlap shared insights into his strategy and preparation:
"I went out to practice on Springfield a few days before and found a pretty sustainable bite on a few rock banks. I noticed quickly in practice while using forward-facing sonar these fish were pressured. I figured out that throwing a Berkley MaxScent Creature Hawg paired with a Bare Naked Bait Co. Wobble Head was the juice."
Both tournaments showcased the Warriors' depth and consistency, with multiple teams finishing inside the top ten against strong competition. The results mark another step forward for WVC as they continue their fall season.
Written by: Emmarie Bires, WVC Radio/TV and Digital Media Student
