FISHING: Lipe, McClanahan win Elverado's first state trophy
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[With a two-day total of 26 pounds and 15 ounces, Elverado claimed second place at the 2011-12 Bass Fishing State Finals at Carlyle Lake this past Friday and Saturday to earn the first IHSA state tournament trophy in the school's history.
EHS juniors Brian McClanahan and Jake Lipe were the fishermen on the lake for the Falcons, along with boat captian Greg Berner.
"It feels good to be able to put a state trophy, a trophy at all, in the case at Elkville," said Lipe. "Our programs have been uplifted a lot the last couple of years, but I don't think anyone quite expected the bass fishing team to be the first from Elverado to win a trophy."
Lipe and his partner McClanahan were seventh best after catching their limit of five fish totaling 14 lb. 1 oz. on Friday, but would have had an extra pound added to that number had two of their fish not died. Each one resulted in a half-pound penalty that ended up being the difference between finishing first and second.
The Falcons caught 12 lb. 14 oz. worth of fish on Saturday, but couldn't overtake Highland, the state champion with 27 lb. 13. oz over two days.
"I was nervous the whole time worrying if what we had in the boat was enough," McClanahan said. "It means a whole lot to me. I feel like I accomplished something big, being the first to bring a state trophy to EHS."
A total of 56 boats participated in the state finals for bass fishing, which is in just its' third year of existence as an official IHSA activity.
"I've been part of the (bass fishing) program since it first got started," Lipe said. "Me and my partner have been the number one boat, the first tournament that we fished in together, we won. I'm extremely happy with the opportunity to be able to go to state and come home with a second place trophy. The two dead fish haunted us, but it happens."
Elverado High School is planning a celebratory parade at 2:00 p.m. on Monday in Elkville to honor the fishing team.
Troy Stewart was the alternate at Carlyle for McClanahan and Lipe. The Falcons are led by Berner and head coach Dave DeWulf.
Other members of the Elverado Bass Fishing program are Josh Sarensen, Donnie Enders, Josh Stuva and Tyler Pierson.