BENTON, Ill. — Dailus Richardson showed so much talent at the high school level for bass fishing that he is going on scholarship to McKendree University to join the school’s fishing team.
“In my position as head coach for McKendree University, I have been following Dailus Richardson for the past four years,” said Jon Rinderer, who will be Richardson’s college coach beginning this fall. “His character, attitude, dedication to the sport of bass fishing, and overall sportsmanship make him a top candidate for the Bassmaster High School All-American team.”
The panel agreed, and Richardson was selected for one of only 12 open spots on the 2016 Bassmaster High School All-American team.
Richardson, who is graduating this month from Benton High School, has won six high school tournaments in the past year, including the 2016 Costa Bassmaster High School Classic. He also had seven Top 5 finishes and two Top 10s. He competed in the B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Divisional last year and, even though he was fishing the high school division, he came in fourth place overall on the adult side.
Richardson volunteers his time at his local church, 4-H and FFA groups, as well as at the Rend Lake Kids Fishing Derby. He also started a monofilament line recycling program at four local lakes.
Richardson demonstrates leadership in all his activities — not just fishing, said his track coach, Rod Shurtz.
“His leadership abilities were directed toward building a better team,” Shurtz wrote. “His demeanor, enthusiasm, dedication and his willingness to sacrifice were very evident to his coaches and teammates. He was able to stimulate others to put forth their best.”
Keep up with the High School All-American program at Bassmaster.com/AllAmerican.
