Okawville Bass Fishing Headed to State

By Editor | May 7, 2019 |

The Okawville High School Bass Fishing Team earned spots in the IHSA State Competition after a strong showing at the Rend Lake Sectional last Thursday.

Okawville’s team had the third and fourth place boats, earning the Rockets one spot at the big tournament at Carlyle Lake May 17-18, as well as the top alternate spot.

The team of Cole Klasing and Mason Meyer finished third overall with 9.30 pounds (five fish) overall, while the team of Ethan Kolweier and Kole Jackson reeled in 7.53 pounds (three fish) for fourth place overall.

Pinckneyville had the top two finishes at the sectional meet. Nashville finished in sixth and seventh place at the event.

Okawville fishing coach Tom Hormann accompanied the Klasing-Meyer team. Parent Rusty Kolweier volunteered to help, which allowed the Kolweier-Jackson team to compete.

Fishing conditions were less than ideal, as it rained all day. “The boys stayed positive and persevered to the end,” said Coach Hormann. “It was just a great day and a lot of fun to coach these young men.

The IHSA has held bass fishing competitions since 2009, and this is the first time the Rockets have had a team advance to the big competition at Carlyle Lake.

The team is coached by Tom Hormann and Rusty Kolweier.