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The Full Story
BASS Elite
Series: Grand Lake, OK
Elite Series
Event # 7 of 11
Day 1 | Day 2 |
Day 3 | Day 4
Day 1: Kevin VanDam Storms into Lead on Grand
Lake
Back to top
 GROVE, Okla. – Relying on his typical “helter-skelter”
approach and covering abundant water on picturesque Grand Lake, Kevin VanDam
of Kalamazoo, Mich., caught a 21-pound, 11-ounce limit Thursday to lead
Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Marty Robinson of Landrum, S.C., by more than
1 pound at the Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco.
The seventh Elite Series event of the season will end Sunday with the winner
receiving a $100,000 top prize. Fishing fans can view all of the
on-the-water action on The Bassmasters on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, June
30.
Perhaps the most dominant angler in professional fishing, VanDam already has
scored one Elite victory this year, at Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. His
focus for the rest of the season is turned to the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster
Angler of the Year race. He is in second place, trailing California’s Skeet
Reese.
“When I fish, I am trying to effectively control all the variables that I
can,” said VanDam, who is looking to clinch his fourth AOY title. “I have
had some ups and downs this year, but if I finish well, I have a real shot
at the Angler of the Year.”
Despite the lead, VanDam said he was never in a “comfort zone” Thursday and
used most of his competition day to practice for the remainder of the
tournament. The 39-year-old said he caught the majority of his weight just
hours after launching.
VanDam, who finished 22nd at the Elite event on Grand last year, said the
fishery is much different than it was a year ago. The change allowed VanDam
to catch fish with a spinnerbait and buzzbait, two lures he prefers.
“There are a number of ways to catch them out here,” said VanDam, who is the
BASS all-time money winner with more than $2 million in career earnings.
“But it will be hard to duplicate things from day to day. The angler who
will win this event needs to be versatile.”
Robinson, who finished second, is following in the footsteps of rookie Elite
anglers who have been successful this year. First, Derek Remitz won the
season-opening event on Texas’ Lake Amistad. Just two weeks ago, Casey
Ashley, the youngest angler in the field, was victorious at Virginia’s Smith
Mountain Lake.
Like most of the field, Robinson targeted shallow fish early in the morning
and then focused on the deep bite later in the afternoon. He worked 30 to 35
points to catch 20 pounds, 0 ounces.
“The big fish come on the first few casts to the points,” said Robinson, who
moved into the top five for the first time. “I feel if I stick with the same
pattern tomorrow, I can bring in another solid limit.”
Tied for third with 19 pounds, 8 ounces, were 2006 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster
Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J., and Ben Matsubu of
Hemphill, Texas. Remitz, an Elite rookie from Madison, Ala., was fifth with
19 pounds, 1 ounce.
2006 Sooner Run champion Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., was 11th with
17 pounds, 15 ounces.
In the co-angler division, Texan Michael Vintges led the field competing for
a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000. He weighed in 17 pounds, 11
ounces. Trailing Vintges were homestate anglers David Herman with 16 pounds,
7 ounces, and Kelly Banks with 15 pounds, 13 ounces.
Fishing fans can watch live, streaming video of the daily weigh-ins of the
Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco at www.ESPNOutdoors.com beginning
at 3 p.m. CT. On Sunday, fans can also monitor www.ESPNOutdoors.com
throughout the day for live updates and Hooked Up with Tommy Sanders and
ESPN Outdoors personality Mark Zona.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 21-11 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11
2. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 5 20-00 295
Day 1: 5 20-00
3. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 19-08287.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
3. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 19-08287.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
5. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 5 19-01 280
Day 1: 5 19-01
6. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 19-00 276
Day 1: 5 19-00
7. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 18-09 272
Day 1: 5 18-09
8. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 18-08 268 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08
9. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 18-06 264
Day 1: 5 18-06
10. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 18-04 260
Day 1: 5 18-04
11. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 17-15 257
Day 1: 5 17-15
12. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 17-13 254
Day 1: 5 17-13
13. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 17-12 251
Day 1: 5 17-12
14. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 17-10 248
Day 1: 5 17-10
15. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 17-07 244
Day 1: 5 17-07
15. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 17-07 244
Day 1: 5 17-07
17. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 16-15 241
Day 1: 5 16-15
18. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 16-13 239
Day 1: 5 16-13
19. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 16-09 237
Day 1: 5 16-09
20. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 16-08 235
Day 1: 5 16-08
21. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 16-07 233
Day 1: 5 16-07
22. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 16-06 231
Day 1: 5 16-06
23. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, FL 5 16-04 228
Day 1: 5 16-04
23. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 16-04 228
Day 1: 5 16-04
25. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 16-00 225
Day 1: 5 16-00
26. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 15-15 223
Day 1: 5 15-15
27. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 15-14 221
Day 1: 5 15-14
28. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 15-12 219
Day 1: 5 15-12
29. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 15-11 217
Day 1: 5 15-11
30. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 5 15-08 214
Day 1: 5 15-08
30. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 15-08 214
Day 1: 5 15-08
32. Lee Bailey Boaz, AL 5 15-07 211
Day 1: 5 15-07
33. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 15-05 209
Day 1: 5 15-05
34. John Crews Salem, VA 5 15-04 206
Day 1: 5 15-04
34. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 5 15-04 206
Day 1: 5 15-04
36. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 15-00 203
Day 1: 5 15-00
37. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 14-15 199
Day 1: 5 14-15
37. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 5 14-15 199
Day 1: 5 14-15
37. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 14-15 199
Day 1: 5 14-15
40. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 5 14-14 195
Day 1: 5 14-14
41. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 14-12 193
Day 1: 5 14-12
42. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, FL 5 14-11 191
Day 1: 5 14-11
43. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 5 14-10 189
Day 1: 5 14-10
44. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 14-09 186
Day 1: 5 14-09
44. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 14-09 186
Day 1: 5 14-09
46. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 14-08 183
Day 1: 5 14-08
47. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 14-05 180
Day 1: 5 14-05
47. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 5 14-05 180
Day 1: 5 14-05
49. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 14-04 176
Day 1: 5 14-04
49. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 14-04 176
Day 1: 5 14-04
51. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 5 14-02 173
Day 1: 5 14-02
52. Ken Brodeur Niantic, CT 5 14-01 170
Day 1: 5 14-01
52. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 14-01 170
Day 1: 5 14-01
54. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 5 13-15 167
Day 1: 5 13-15
55. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 13-13 165
Day 1: 5 13-13
56. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 5 13-11 163
Day 1: 5 13-11
57. Dave Smith Del City, OK 5 13-10 160
Day 1: 5 13-10
57. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 13-10 160
Day 1: 5 13-10
59. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 13-06 155
Day 1: 5 13-06
59. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 13-06 155
Day 1: 5 13-06
59. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 13-06 155
Day 1: 5 13-06
62. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 13-01 151
Day 1: 5 13-01
63. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 5 13-00 147
Day 1: 5 13-00
63. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 13-00 147
Day 1: 5 13-00
63. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 13-00 147
Day 1: 5 13-00
66. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 12-15 142
Day 1: 5 12-15
66. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 12-15 142
Day 1: 5 12-15
68. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 12-14 139
Day 1: 5 12-14
69. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 12-13 137
Day 1: 5 12-13
70. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 12-12 135
Day 1: 5 12-12
71. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 12-08 133
Day 1: 5 12-08
72. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 5 12-07 130
Day 1: 5 12-07
72. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 12-07 130
Day 1: 5 12-07
74. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 5 12-05 127
Day 1: 5 12-05
75. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 12-01 125
Day 1: 5 12-01
76. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 5 12-00 123
Day 1: 5 12-00
77. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 5 11-13 121
Day 1: 5 11-13
78. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, TX 5 11-12 119
Day 1: 5 11-12
79. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 11-11 117
Day 1: 5 11-11
80. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 11-08 114
Day 1: 5 11-08
80. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 11-08 114
Day 1: 5 11-08
82. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 11-07 111
Day 1: 5 11-07
83. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 11-05 109
Day 1: 5 11-05
84. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 11-02 107
Day 1: 5 11-02
85. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 10-14 104
Day 1: 5 10-14
85. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, TX 5 10-14 104
Day 1: 5 10-14
87. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 10-13 101
Day 1: 5 10-13
88. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 10-10 99
Day 1: 5 10-10
89. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 10-09 95
Day 1: 5 10-09
89. William Smith Jr. Somerset, KY 5 10-09 95
Day 1: 5 10-09
89. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 5 10-09 95
Day 1: 5 10-09
92. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, FL 5 10-06 90
Day 1: 5 10-06
92. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 10-06 90
Day 1: 5 10-06
94. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 10-05 87
Day 1: 5 10-05
95. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 10-01 85
Day 1: 5 10-01
96. Mark Rogers Naples, FL 5 10-00 83
Day 1: 5 10-00
97. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, CA 5 09-15 81
Day 1: 5 09-15
98. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 09-13 79
Day 1: 5 09-13
99. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 09-09 77
Day 1: 5 09-09
100. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 09-08 76
Day 1: 5 09-08
101. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 09-06 75
Day 1: 5 09-06
102. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 09-00 73.5
Day 1: 5 09-00
102. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 4 09-00 73.5
Day 1: 4 09-00
104. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 4 07-15 72
Day 1: 4 07-15
105. Charlie Youngers Geneva, FL 2 07-09 71
Day 1: 2 07-09
106. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 3 07-05 70
Day 1: 3 07-05
107. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 3 06-07 69
Day 1: 3 06-07
108. Keith Phillips Calera, AL 2 03-13 68
Day 1: 2 03-13
Day 2: KVD Maintains Lead on Grand Lake
Back to top
GROVE,
Okla. – Flanked by more than 40 spectator boats Friday on Grand Lake,
11-time BASS winner Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., again boated a
20-pound-plus limit, raising his total to 43 pounds, 3 ounces and distancing
himself from Marty Robinson of Landrum, S.C., by almost 3 pounds at the
Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco.
The seventh Bassmaster Elite Series event of the season will end Sunday with
the winner receiving a $100,000 top prize. Fishing fans can view all of the
on-the-water action on The Bassmasters on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, June
30.
One of the most accomplished anglers in the sport, VanDam is aiming for his
second Elite Series victory of the season. He won at Alabama’s Lake
Guntersville in April.
The two-time Bassmaster Classic winner and BASS’ all-time top money winner
used a “run-and-gun” approach Friday to cover a lot of water and locate
pockets of schooling fish.
“I have a solid pattern that produces a lot of down time and then flurries
of excitement,” VanDam said of the schooling fish that he catches in
bunches. “The lake this week is suited well to my style that I love to fish,
and I have been able to locate some key areas.”
VanDam built on an early start -- just one hour into Friday’s competition,
he had caught 17 pounds. He had his complete weight by noon, then spent the
rest of the day locating possible areas for Saturday.
A top finish at Grand Lake for VanDam would help his bid to claim a fourth
Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Friday’s performance put
him in good position to overtake the AOY leader, Skeet Reese of California.
Reese didn’t qualify for the top-50 cut Friday.
“Wins are hard to beat but I am absolutely focused on another Angler of the
Year title,” the 39-year-old said. “If I keep winning, though, the AOY will
take care of itself.”
Robinson, an Elite Series rookie, stayed in second with a 20-pound, 5-ounce
limit but lost ground to VanDam. As he did Thursday, the 33-year-old started
by focusing on shallow water and moved to deeper water later in the
afternoon.
From 9 to 11 a.m., he caught the majority of his weight with a crankbait and
a jig, boating two fish that weighed more than 5 pounds on the jig. Unlike
VanDam and others in the top 10, Robinson had few spectator boats chasing
him.
“There is no question I have a shot at winning this,” said an unfazed
Robinson, whose roommate Casey Ashley, another Elite rookie, won the last
Elite Series event on Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake. “I am going to swing
for the fences. Now that I have tasted the top of the leaderboard, I don’t
want to let it go.”
Charging into third was homestate favorite Edwin Evers, 32, of Talala, with
37 pounds, 13 ounces. In fourth was 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion Boyd
Duckett of Demopolis, Ala., with 36 pounds, 13 ounces. Rounding out the top
five was last year’s Sooner Run champion, Mike McClelland of Bella Vista,
Ark., with 36 pounds, 10 ounces.
VanDam is vying to join McClelland, who is the only two-time Elite Series
winner. Also qualifying for the top-50 cut: Jeff Kriet of Ardmore, Okla., in
eighth with 35 pounds, 2 ounces, and 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike
Iaconelli, in 23rd with 32 pounds, 8 ounces.
In the co-angler division, Oklahoma’s Kelly Banks led the field competing
for a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000. His two-day weight was
29 pounds, 1 ounce. Trailing Banks were Texans David Stewart with 27 pounds,
11 ounces, and Chad Kallina with 27 pounds, 5 ounces.
The field was cut to the top 50 pros and co-anglers for Saturday’s
competition. Co-anglers wrap up their competition Saturday. Only the top 12
pros will compete Sunday, the final day.
Fishing fans can watch live, streaming video of the daily weigh-ins of the
Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco at www.ESPNOutdoors.com beginning
at 3 p.m. CT. On Sunday, fans can also monitor www.ESPNOutdoors.com
throughout the day for live updates and Hooked Up with Tommy Sanders and
ESPN Outdoors personality Mark Zona. Bob Cobb, former Bassmaster Magazine
editor and an Oklahoma native, will join Zona and Sanders on Sunday’s Hooked
Up.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 43-03 310 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-08
2. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 10 40-05 295
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-05
3. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 37-13 290
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 19-09
4. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 10 36-13 285
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 19-06
5. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 36-10 280
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 18-11
6. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 36-08 276 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 19-01
7. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 35-04 272
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-12
8. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 35-02 268
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-02
9. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 35-01 264
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 20-12
10. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 34-13 260
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 16-07
11. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 34-07255.5
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 19-11
11. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 10 34-07255.5
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 15-06
13. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 10 34-06 251
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 16-12
14. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 10 34-00 248 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 22-05
15. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 10 33-11 244
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 14-03
15. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 10 33-11 244
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 18-06
17. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, FL 10 33-07 241
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 17-03
18. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 33-06 239
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 14-13
19. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 33-05 236 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-13
19. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 10 33-05 236
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 18-06
21. Alton Jones Waco, TX 10 33-01 233
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 18-01
22. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 10 32-09 231
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 18-04
23. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 10 32-08 229
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 13-00
24. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 10 31-02 227
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 14-12
25. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 10 30-13 225
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 15-15
26. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 30-09 223
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 18-02
27. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 10 30-05 221
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 16-10
28. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 30-03 218
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-10
28. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 30-03 218
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 15-10
30. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 30-02 215
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 13-03
31. Dave Smith Del City, OK 10 29-14 213
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 16-04
32. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 9 29-08 210
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 4 13-00
32. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 9 29-08 210
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 4 14-00
34. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 10 29-06 207
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 15-02
35. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 10 29-05 205
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-14
36. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 10 29-04 203
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-02
37. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 10 29-02 201
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 15-03
38. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 10 28-15 198
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-11
38. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 10 28-15 198
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 12-02
40. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 28-12 195
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 15-12
41. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 28-08 193
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 13-15
42. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 10 28-05 191
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 12-01
43. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 28-03 189
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 13-11
44. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 28-02 187
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 14-08
45. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 10 28-01 184
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 13-07
45. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 10 28-01 184
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 12-06
47. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 10 27-11 181
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 09-14
48. John Crews Salem, VA 10 27-07 178
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 12-03
48. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 27-07 178
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 13-10
50. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 27-03 175
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-05
51. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 10 27-01 173
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 15-10
52. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 26-15 171
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 14-07
53. Lee Bailey Boaz, AL 10 26-14 168
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 11-07
53. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 10 26-14 168
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 11-00
55. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 10 26-13 165
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 14-13
56. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 10 26-09 162
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 10-10
56. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 26-09 162
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-09
58. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 26-05 159
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 12-15
59. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, FL 10 26-04 157
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 15-14
60. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 26-02 155
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 13-03
61. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 10 26-01 153
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 13-04
62. Ken Brodeur Niantic, CT 10 25-14 151
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 11-13
63. Randy Howell Springville, AL 9 25-12 149
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 4 08-00
64. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 25-06 147
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 09-06
65. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 10 25-04 144
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 13-03
65. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 9 25-04 144
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 4 09-08
67. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, TX 10 25-03 140
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 14-05
67. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 25-03 140
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 10-15
69. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 25-00 136
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 10-01
69. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 10 25-00 136
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 13-08
71. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 24-15 133
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 13-10
72. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 10 24-12 131
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 12-00
73. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 10 24-10 129
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 14-01
74. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 10 24-09 127
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 12-12
75. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 10 24-07 124
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 11-01
75. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 10 24-07 124
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 11-07
77. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 10 24-06 121
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 14-01
78. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 10 24-04 118
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 09-05
78. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 10 24-04 118
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 11-15
80. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, FL 10 24-00 115
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 09-05
81. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 23-15 113
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 09-14
82. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 23-14 110
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-08
82. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 10 23-14 110
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 13-05
84. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 10 23-11 107
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 12-03
85. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 10 23-08 105
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 13-11
86. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 10 23-05 102
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 12-15
86. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 10 23-05 102
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 10-06
88. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 8 23-03 99
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 5 15-14
89. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 7 22-12 97
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 2 06-05
90. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, TX 10 22-09 95
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 10-13
91. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 22-02 93
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 12-01
92. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 10 22-00 91
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 08-15
93. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 9 21-10 89
Day 1: 4 09-00 Day 2: 5 12-10
94. William Smith Jr. Somerset, KY 10 21-04 87
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 10-11
95. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, CA 10 21-00 85
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 11-01
96. Mark Rogers Naples, FL 10 20-15 83
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 10-15
97. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 9 20-12 81
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 4 09-15
98. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 10 20-05 78
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 09-07
98. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 10 20-05 78
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 09-11
100. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 19-13 76
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 10-07
101. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 8 18-12 75
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 5 12-05
102. Charlie Youngers Geneva, FL 7 18-00 74
Day 1: 2 07-09 Day 2: 5 10-07
103. Keith Phillips Calera, AL 7 17-13 73
Day 1: 2 03-13 Day 2: 5 14-00
104. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 9 17-03 72
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 4 07-11
105. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 8 16-07 71
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 3 05-05
106. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 8 16-06 70
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 3 06-13
107. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 7 14-12 69
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 3 06-13
108. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 09-00 68
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
Day 3: Kriet Surges to Lead on Grand Lake
Back to top
GROVE, Okla. – Erasing a margin of more than 8 pounds, home
state favorite Jeff Kriet of Ardmore, Okla., boated the biggest limit of the
tournament Saturday with 24 pounds, 11 ounces, and took over the lead from
BASS’ all-time top money winner Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., at the
Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco.
Kriet has totaled 59 pounds, 13 ounces, over three days of competition and
capitalized on a cloudy, rainy day that caused many of the other anglers to
struggle. He leads VanDam, already an Elite Series winner in 2007, by a mere
7 ounces.
The seventh Bassmaster Elite Series event of the season will end Sunday with
the winner receiving a $100,000 top prize. Fishing fans can view all of the
on-the-water action on The Bassmasters on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, June
30.
An accomplished Elite Series pro, Kriet has appeared in four Bassmaster
Classics and has amassed more than $440,000 in earnings in his BASS career.
His lone BASS victory came nearly 10 years ago in Oklahoma on Lake Texoma,
in a Bassmaster Invitational event, a qualifying circuit. Kriet is focused
on victory once again.
“I have struggled closing these tournaments out in the past,” the
38-year-old said. “But I was fairly conservative with my big-fish spots
today and I feel that I can really catch them again tomorrow.”
Primarily working jigs and Carolina rigs to rocky points, Kriet built a
limit of 4- and 5-pounders Saturday. Duplicating the effort will be tough,
but, for the final day of competition, Kriet has identified six spots that
he believes hold bigger fish.
With a good showing at the Sooner Run, Kriet also gains valuable points in
the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. Heading into the Grand
Lake event, he was in sixth place, and he now believes that he can make a
run at the prestigious award.
“Stranger things have happened,” Kriet said. “I want to win tournaments, but
most of all I want to have a shot at the Angler of the Year award. I just
want a chance at it heading into the last event.”
VanDam, one of the most accomplished anglers in the sport, slipped Saturday
with 16 pounds, 3 ounces. Employing his typical “run-and-gun” approach, the
11-time BASS winner was unable to entice the bigger bites he had on the
first two days of competition. However, he believes he has identified a
solid pattern for the final day regardless of weather, and he’ll look to
move even faster, rotating to spots multiple times throughout the day.
“With the cloudy and rainy weather during the summertime, typically the fish
are more aggressive,” the two-time Bassmaster Classic champion said. “But I
couldn’t get the bigger ones to bite. It can get interesting in a hurry out
there but I never could get the timing down to produce. I like things a lot
better when it’s close.”
Regardless of the tournament outcome, VanDam will lead the Angler of the
Year standings, as previous leader Skeet Reese failed to qualify for the
top-50 cut.
In third Saturday was Elite rookie Marty Robinson of Landrum, S.C., who fell
from second with a three-day total of 58 pounds, 1 ounce. Finishing fourth
was Kevin Short of Mayflower, Ark., who jumped from 13th with 55 pounds, 14
ounces. In fifth was Davy Hite of Prosperity, S.C., who moved up one spot
from sixth with 53 pounds, 3 ounces.
Also finishing in the top 12 who qualified for Sunday were 2007 Bassmaster
Classic champion Boyd Duckett in seventh and 2006 Sooner Run champion Mike
McClelland in 11th.
The co-angler competition ended Saturday with Chad Kallina of Texas winning
a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000. Kallina, who scored his
second victory as an Elite Series co-angler, posted a three-day weight of 38
pounds, 3 ounce. Trailing Kallina were Texan David Stewart with 37 pounds,
11 ounces, and Kansan Robert Heath with 36 pounds, 14 ounces.
Fishing fans can watch live, streaming video of the daily weigh-ins of the
Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco at www.ESPNOutdoors.com beginning
at 3 p.m. CT. On Sunday, fans can also monitor www.ESPNOutdoors.com
throughout the day for live updates and Hooked Up with Tommy Sanders and
ESPN Outdoors personality Mark Zona. Bob Cobb, former Bassmaster Magazine
editor and an Oklahoma native, will join Zona and Sanders on Sunday’s Hooked
Up.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 15 59-13 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 24-11
2. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 15 59-06 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-08 Day 3: 5 16-03
3. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 15 58-01 290
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-05 Day 3: 5 17-12
4. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 15 55-14 285 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 5 21-08
5. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 15 53-03 280 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 16-11
6. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 15 52-15 276
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 18-02
7. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 15 52-04 272
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 15-07
8. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 15 51-07 268
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 13-10
9. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 15 50-12 264
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-12 Day 3: 5 15-08
10. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 15 50-01 260 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 22-05 Day 3: 5 16-01
11. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 15 49-15 257
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 13-05
12. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 15 49-07 254
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 16-01
13. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 15 48-07 251 $10,800.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 15-02
14. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 15 47-13 248 $10,700.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 20-12 Day 3: 5 12-12
15. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 15 47-10 245 $11,600.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 14-05
16. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 15 47-04 243 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 12-13
17. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 15 46-15 241 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 13-04
18. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 15 46-10 239 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 14-02
19. Alton Jones Waco, TX 15 46-09 237 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 13-08
20. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 15 46-05 235 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 5 11-14
21. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 15 46-04 233 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 12-09
22. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 15 46-01 231 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 15-15 Day 3: 5 15-04
23. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 15 46-00 229 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-10 Day 3: 5 15-13
24. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville , FL 15 45-12 227 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 5 12-05
25. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 15 45-09 225 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-02 Day 3: 5 16-05
26. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 15 44-09 223 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 15-02 Day 3: 5 15-03
27. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 15 44-08 221 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 12-06 Day 3: 5 16-07
28. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 15 44-06 219 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 16-04
29. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 15 44-03 217 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 15-04
30. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 15 44-00 215 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 15-08
31. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 15 43-14 213 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 13-05
32. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 43-03 211 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 13-10 Day 3: 5 15-12
33. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 15 43-02 209 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 14-12 Day 3: 5 12-00
34. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 15 42-14 207 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 10-05
35. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 15 42-13 205 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 14-01
36. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 15 42-07 203 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 15-03 Day 3: 5 13-05
37. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 15 42-06 201 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 15-10 Day 3: 5 12-03
38. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 14 41-15 199 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 4 13-00 Day 3: 5 12-07
39. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 15 41-13 196 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 12-08
39. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 15 41-13 196 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 13-07 Day 3: 5 13-12
41. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 15 41-11 193 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 13-08
42. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 15 40-13 191 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 09-14 Day 3: 5 13-02
43. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 15 40-11 189 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 5 10-09
44. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 13 39-11 187 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 4 14-00 Day 3: 4 10-03
45. Dave Smith Del City, OK 15 39-08 185 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 16-04 Day 3: 5 09-10
46. John Crews Salem, VA 15 39-07 183 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 5 12-00
47. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 15 39-01 181 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 5 10-12
48. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 14 39-00 179 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 4 08-11
49. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 14 34-09 177 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-05 Day 3: 4 07-06
50. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 12 33-02 175 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 2 04-03
Day 4: VanDam Wins Elite Series at Grand Lake
Back to top
 GROVE,
Okla. – Scoring his second Bassmaster Elite Series victory of 2007, Kevin
VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., totaled 78 pounds, 2 ounces, over four days of
competition at the Sooner Run presented by Longhorn Tobacco, outdoing home
state favorite Jeff Kriet of Ardmore by nearly 4 pounds.
With the victory, VanDam’s 12th, he adds $100,000 to his career earnings of
nearly $2.5 million, which makes him BASS’ all-time money leader. The
victory also propelled VanDam to the top of the standings for the Toyota
Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards in
the sport.
Fishing fans can view all of the on-the-water action on The Bassmasters on
ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, June 30.
VanDam joins 2006 Sooner Run champion Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark.,
the only other two-time Elite Series winner. Coincidentally, VanDam, whose
other Elite win this season came on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville,
predominantly used the same lure, a Strike King crankbait, in both Elite
wins.
“I have had a couple of mediocre tournaments this year and that really
motivates me to do well,” the 39-year-old said. “Fishing against this level
of competition really fuels my competitive nature. Once you get the taste of
victory, you want nothing else.”
Concentrating on main lake and secondary points with the
crankbait, VanDam did well early, boating two keeper bass in the morning. As
is his customary style, the two-time Bassmaster Classic champion moved
frenetically around the lake.
He concentrated on depths of 4 feet to as deep as 15 feet. The key, he said,
was to locate points that were unique and to thoroughly work his spots with
a number of casts.
“Persistence was the key,” VanDam said. “I had confidence in my spots, and
although I moved around a lot I was thorough in my approach.”
After a tremendous Saturday, in which Kriet weighed the biggest limit of the
tournament, the Oklahoman slipped to second with a sub-par final day of 14
pounds, 8 ounces. He failed to notch his first Elite victory and second BASS
victory, but did move up from sixth to fourth in the Angler of the Year
standings.
Primarily working Carolina-rigs and swimbaits on picturesque Grand, Kriet
failed Sunday to entice the big bites he enjoyed Saturday.
“I don’t feel like I did anything wrong execution-wise,” the 38-year-old
said. “It was a great week. My day is going to come soon. I am going to win
one of these events soon. Mark my words.”
Fellow Oklahoman Edwin Evers, of Talala, finished third, just ounces behind
Kriet with 73 pounds, 7 ounces. In fourth was Kevin Short of Mayflower,
Ark., with 72 pounds, 7 ounces. Tied for fifth with 70 pounds, 11 ounces
were Davy Hite of Prosperity, S.C., and Kelly Jordon of Mineola, Texas.
Marty Robinson of Landrum, S.C., entered the day in third and slipped to
seventh with 69 pounds, 0 ounces. McClelland, the 2006 Sooner Run champion,
finished 11th with 66 pounds, 14 ounces.
The next Bassmaster Elite Series tournament is July 12-15 on Lake Champlain
out of Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Fishing fans can watch live, streaming video of all Elite Series weigh-ins
at www.ESPNOutdoors.com. On the final day of competition, fans can also
monitor www.ESPNOutdoors.com throughout the day for live updates and Hooked
Up with Tommy Sanders and ESPN Outdoors personality Mark Zona.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 20 78-02 315 $101,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-08 Day 3: 5 16-03 Day 4: 5 18-12
2. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 20 74-05 300 $39,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 24-11 Day 4: 5 14-08
3. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 20 73-07 290 $27,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 13-10 Day 4: 5 22-00
4. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 20 72-07 285 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 5 21-08 Day 4: 5 16-09
5. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 20 70-11 278 $17,250.00
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 22-05 Day 3: 5 16-01 Day 4: 5 20-10
5. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 20 70-11 278 $17,250.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 16-11 Day 4: 5 17-08
7. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 19 69-00 272 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-05 Day 3: 5 17-12 Day 4: 4 10-15
8. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 20 67-14 268 $14,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 15-07 Day 4: 5 15-10
9. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 20 67-06 264 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 18-02 Day 4: 5 14-07
10. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 20 66-15 260 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-12 Day 3: 5 15-08 Day 4: 5 16-03
11. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 20 66-14 257 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 13-05 Day 4: 5 16-15
12. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 20 65-15 254 $12,300.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 16-01 Day 4: 5 16-08
Articles and images from BASS
Compiled by Brandon Shook
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