BENTON, Ill. — Trevor McKinney, 18, is one of only 12 anglers selected for the 2016 Bassmaster High School All-American team, and to those who know him, it’s no surprise.
“In my more than 40 years of involvement with youth and bass fishing, I have not known any young man who is more deserving of this honor than Trevor,” said Jon Rinderer, the fishing coach at McKendree University in Illinois.
It’s also not a surprise to anyone else once they take a look at his credentials.
McKinney, who is graduating from Benton Consolidated High School this year as his class valedictorian, has six bass tournament wins to his credit in the past year — including the 2016 Costa Bassmaster High School Classic — and 10 Top 5 finishes. He has earned multiple college scholarships — three from his participation in the 2014 Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship, plus academic, leadership and bass fishing scholarships to McKendree University.
He spends every day after school tutoring classmates, and he’s involved in several clubs in which he helps raise funds for the Special Olympics and clean up highways.
“Trevor is a shining example of how education and involvement in school and community activities come together to form a student who is not only capable but also willing to take on any challenge that the future will bring,” wrote James Eldridge, McKinney’s fishing coach at Benton Consolidated High School.
McKinney plans to become a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, but not before qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic as a college competitor at McKendree.
“Trevor’s level of success and obvious dedication to the sport make him a standout in any field of competition,” added Rinderer.
Keep up with the High School All-American program at Bassmaster.com/AllAmerican.
