JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – University of Pikeville bass fishing traveled to Cherokee Lake and took 32^nd place in the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship Presented by Bass Pro Shops this past weekend.
There were 154 boats competing at the tournament, with Ethan Elliott and Bryce McDonald being UPIKE's only boat. Elliott and McDonald represented UPIKE very well, taking 32^nd place after reeling in ten fish, weighing a total of 22 pounds and 12 ounces. Among NAIA competitors, Elliott and McDonald finished third.
Last weekend's performance moved the Bears up in the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year standings. The Bears began the 2024-25 season ranked No. 276 and finished their first season ranked No. 19 nationally.