Teams from Pekin High School take top two at 12th annual Bob Kerans Scholastic Muskie Tournament in Illinois

Students from several schools across Illinois participated in the 12th annual Bob Kerans Scholastic Muskie Tournament, held May 31 on Johnson Lake at Banner Marsh in Fulton County.

Named after the late Bob Kerans, a lifelong Illinois educator and muskie angler, the tournament does not charge an entry fee and is designed to encourage youth interest in the outdoors and fishing – specifically muskie fishing.

The event is organized by the Illini Muskies Alliance and the Illinois Muskie Tournament Trail.

Congratulations to Pekin High School Teams 1 and 2 for their wins at the tournament, held on Johnson Lake in Banner Marsh Chain of Lakes. Banner is just South of Peoria and Pekin, Illinois.

Wyatt Weidner and Chris Gilbert from Pekin High School Team 1 took first place as well as catching the big fish when Wyatt caught a 38½-inch muskie while trolling at 10:35 a.m.

Team 2 from Pekin High School, comprised of Teigan McCoy and Zayne Young, was in the right place and time when Teigan caught a 35-inch muskie while casting at 1:15 p.m.

A big thank-you to the parents, coaches, and students who attended this event. Other schools in attendance were Belleville West, Home School Gaddy, Guilford , Macomb, Murphysboro, Timothy Christian, Trico, and Wauconda.