Turn back the clock to two years ago. Niles West started the Bass Fishing team which still stands somewhere between a club and a sport.

This team started when a couple of students had the same passion for fishing and wanted to make it a club at Niles West. They talked to Tim Richmond, an applied science and technology teacher still at West today, and he helped sponsor for the first year. Many people might not know that bass fishing at West is actually a team, since there’s a state competition. However, this team is opened to anyone who would like to join.

This year, the Bass Fishing team is sponsored by head coach Mike Campbell and science teacher Chris Barnett.

“It’s a great way for students to get the chance to just fish, and also be a part of state qualifications,” Barnett said.

Different from any other club, the Bass Fishing Team is a IHSA sport which can qualify for sectionals and state. Being a part of this team, students can get the chance to go to sectionals on April 25 at the Skokie Lagoons, and make it to state that takes place on May 9 and 10 at Lake Carlyle in Carlyle, IL.

“I think it’s cool how West has so many different clubs that fits for everyone’s passion,” senior Gopi Patel said.

Although the competitions don’t start until spring, they meet after school on Thursdays in room 1410 to fish at Lake Glen or the Skokie Lagoons.