Joliet, IL – The Joliet West High School bass fishing team secured a third-place finish at the Southwest Prairie Conference Tournament, continuing a strong season on the water.
According to event organizers, the tournament was held Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at Braidwood Lake and hosted by Oswego East High School. The annual competition featured teams from across the conference.
Eight Joliet West students participated in the event: Devion Campbell, Emilio Cerda, Julian Hernandez, Nicholas Hicks, Jayden Jock, Fabian Medina, Richard Santiago, and Nick Wilkins.
The team’s top-performing group, Joliet West Boat No. 1—made up of Emilio Cerda and Fabian Medina and driven by Mark Leasure—earned the third-place finish with a total catch weighing 7 pounds, 9.92 ounces.
School officials say the performance highlights the continued growth of the program and the students’ dedication to competitive fishing.
With the podium finish, the Tigers now turn their focus to the IHSA Bass Fishing Regional Tournament scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2026, on the Illinois River in Morris.
The team is led by head coach John Barber, with support from assistant coaches and boat drivers Mark Leasure, Tim Fears, and Roger Elion.
