BEMIDJI, Minn. — The fairytale story at the Bassmaster College National Championship just wasn't meant to be for Campbellsville anglers Nick Ratliff and Luke Patterson. The duo missed the second-round cut by a measly three ounces and finished in 14^th place.
 
After a Day 1 limit of eight pounds and 10 ounces, Ratliff and Patterson once again nailed their five-fish limit and brought to the stage a bag of 13 pounds 10 ounces shooting up the leaderboard from 31^st to 14th.

But the kicker today -- a four-ounce penalty after the duo's top bass swallowed a hook and died before weigh-ins. That unlucky penalty cost them a chance at a national title as they were only three ounces out of the cutline at 12^th place.
 
"I am so proud of Nick Ratliff and Luke Patterson climbing from 31st to 14th today," said coach Tommy Hall. "These guys fished this tournament as sophomores and were in the Top 12 without the penalty. But it just wasn't meant to be. I'd like to say thanks to everyone back home that has been cheering us on from afar. We will be back!"
 
The duo of Jacob Foutz and Jake Lee from Bryan College once again had the largest bag of the day catching a limit of 18 pounds and four ounces. They remain a top the leaderboard with 34 pounds and 10 ounces.
 
After the cut, the Top 12 boats remain and will fish in the final round tomorrow morning at Lake Bemidji. A national champion will be crowned tomorrow but the Top 4 boats after the third round will compete in the Bracket Challenge next weekend for a chance to fish in the granddaddy of them all - the professional tour's Geico Bassmaster Classic.
 
The missed cut ends the season for Campbellsville as the Tigers had three anglers fish for national titles. In addition to Ratliff and Patterson this week, Mason Sapp competed in the FLW Yeti College Fishing Championship in May.