Photo by Mack Sexton
Our camera boat driver today is Charles Harkless of Spring, Texas.That's a little north of Houston. Charles was the president of the Texas BASS Nation for 12 years. He said he may never make the Classic, but he's helped some others get there via the Nation. "That's just as satisfying as going yourself," he said.
Charles has led an amazing life. He was an All-American running back at Arkansas A&M (now the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff). He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and played in the NFL for a year and a half before hurting his knee. He became a referee for Detroit area high schools, and even refereed some of Magic Johnson's high school games. He worked for General Motors, in their Cadillac and Chevy divisions, and retired from GM.
Nowadays he's in his second or third career working for Classic Chevrolet in Sugarland, Texas. "Relax and enjoy the difference is their motto," he said.
Charles positioned the boat perfectly for Steve Bowman to get great photos today, and he earned kudos from Bowman.
Thanks Charles!