Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., got his start at the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation level in his native state of Arkansas. He won the statewide Federation competition in 2001.
At the time, the state winner was awarded an entry in a Bassmaster Open circuit. He grabbed the opportunity and selected the 2002 Bassmaster Central Open division.
He went on to win one of the Central's three events that year, wrapped up the points race and qualified for the 2003 Bassmaster Classic, his first. Hackney is poised for his ninth Classic appearance, which, like his first, will be on the Louisiana Delta out of New Orleans.
The 2011 Classic, Feb. 18-20, will be his 100th Bassmaster event.