The B.A.S.S. Elite Series field is a family, especially the group of angler’s and their family members who camp at the events. That caring family dynamic was on display in the third morning of the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry.
Nevaeh Lowen, 12-year-old daughter of Bill and Jennifer Lowen sang the National Anthem at this morning’s takeoff. She realized it was an a capella performance only after she began to sing. She stumbled at the start, gathered herself for a moment, then nervously completed the anthem, showing her range and the courage to fight through.
Just before boat numbers were beginning to be called for takeoff, Gerald Swindle, who camps with his wife LeAnn at events, and who was set to go out in fourth place, unzipped his life preserver, jumped out of his boat and ran up the dock to pick Nevaeh up, hug her and tell her he was proud of her. He then returned to his boat just in time to buckle up and take off.
The love, concern and care shown by Swindle moved several to tears on the Coosa Landing docks, a show of caring from one who has begun to take on a role of an uncle to the field.
The Elite Series family on display here in Gadsden this morning.