College: Day 2 behind the scenes

Go backstage on cut day at the National Championship in Young Harris, Georgia!

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The competitors check in on Chatuge Reservoir when they’re done for the day. Today is cut day at the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship.
The competitors check in on Chatuge Reservoir when they’re done for the day. Today is cut day at the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship.
From Chatuge, they drive down the road to Young Harris College where they pick up their fish bags and then park their rigs.
From Chatuge, they drive down the road to Young Harris College where they pick up their fish bags and then park their rigs.
Then, a Young Harris volunteer escorts them and their fish via golf cart to the weigh-in.
Then, a Young Harris volunteer escorts them and their fish via golf cart to the weigh-in.
It’s a constant parade of golf carts going in and out of the weigh-in area.
It’s a constant parade of golf carts going in and out of the weigh-in area.
Hayesville High School club volunteers then meet the anglers at the entrance to the weigh-in …
Hayesville High School club volunteers then meet the anglers at the entrance to the weigh-in …
… where Seth Utt and Jeremy Graves change out their fish bags …
… where Seth Utt and Jeremy Graves change out their fish bags …
… for weigh-in bags.
… for weigh-in bags.
After the fish are weighed, the weigh-in bag goes backstage …
After the fish are weighed, the weigh-in bag goes backstage …
… where Nicholas Wells escorts them to the Shimano Live Release boat.
… where Nicholas Wells escorts them to the Shimano Live Release boat.
Wells hands off the fish, and they go into the cool water …
Wells hands off the fish, and they go into the cool water …
… where they’ll thrive until being returned to Chatuge this evening.
… where they’ll thrive until being returned to Chatuge this evening.
Patrick Friedman, aka Money, from San Jose State University, attributes his good fortune in fishing to his bass fishing socks.
Patrick Friedman, aka Money, from San Jose State University, attributes his good fortune in fishing to his bass fishing socks.
A close-up. You’re welcome.
A close-up. You’re welcome.
Fans are having a blast during the pre-weigh-in, catching free loot that seemingly falls from the sky.
Fans are having a blast during the pre-weigh-in, catching free loot that seemingly falls from the sky.
Over here, over here!
Over here, over here!
So much jumping …
So much jumping …
… it’s starting to look like an exercise video.
… it’s starting to look like an exercise video.
Dylan McKee is all smiles before the weigh-in.
Dylan McKee is all smiles before the weigh-in.
The competitors engage in serious conversation before making it to the stage.
The competitors engage in serious conversation before making it to the stage.
And the weigh-in has begun!
And the weigh-in has begun!
Andrew Helms and Jake Whitaker of UNC Charlotte have a good one to show off backstage.
Andrew Helms and Jake Whitaker of UNC Charlotte have a good one to show off backstage.
Michael Corbishley and Ronnie Moore of East Carolina University have good-size bass, too.
Michael Corbishley and Ronnie Moore of East Carolina University have good-size bass, too.
It’s hot outside, but Val and Brie Stewart have found a nice place to relax while listening to the weigh-in.
It’s hot outside, but Val and Brie Stewart have found a nice place to relax while listening to the weigh-in.
A big crowd endured the heat …
A big crowd endured the heat …
… so they could watch their favorites weigh in.
… so they could watch their favorites weigh in.
No matter how hot it is outside (or cold or rainy or otherwise miserable), College B.A.S.S. coordinator Emily Hand always handles her work with a smile.
No matter how hot it is outside (or cold or rainy or otherwise miserable), College B.A.S.S. coordinator Emily Hand always handles her work with a smile.
It begins to get cooler as a dark cloud hovers over the weigh-in, threatening rain.
It begins to get cooler as a dark cloud hovers over the weigh-in, threatening rain.
Georgia competitors get asked for a photo op.
Georgia competitors get asked for a photo op.
The spectators power through, even as the skies get darker and the wind picks up.
The spectators power through, even as the skies get darker and the wind picks up.
The rain finally came …
The rain finally came …
… and some of the most dedicated fans huddled under umbrellas and tents to watch the remainder of the weigh-in.
… and some of the most dedicated fans huddled under umbrellas and tents to watch the remainder of the weigh-in.