B.A.S.S. Nation Champion’s toast

Saturday after the final weigh-in, B.A.S.S. staff, Nation competitors and Presidents toast the champion of the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors, Caleb Sumrall.
Saturday after the final weigh-in, B.A.S.S. staff, Nation competitors and Presidents toast the champion of the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors, Caleb Sumrall.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart welcomed the crowd, which included the Top 12 from the event and their families.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart welcomed the crowd, which included the Top 12 from the event and their families.
Before Stewart toasted Sumrall,  a key member of the B.A.S.S. staff Mike Wall is recognized for his service and work for B.A.S.S.
Before Stewart toasted Sumrall, a key member of the B.A.S.S. staff Mike Wall is recognized for his service and work for B.A.S.S.
Wall retired after many years working as a member of the crew that makes B.A.S.S. tournaments possible.
Wall retired after many years working as a member of the crew that makes B.A.S.S. tournaments possible.
Wall spoke briefly on his retirement and gave thanks to B.A.S.S. for the opportunities over the years.
Wall spoke briefly on his retirement and gave thanks to B.A.S.S. for the opportunities over the years.
 Sumrall (left) and Marty Giddens listened to the talk, waiting on their chance to be in the spotlight.
Sumrall (left) and Marty Giddens listened to the talk, waiting on their chance to be in the spotlight.
The face of the champion, as the room cheered.
The face of the champion, as the room cheered.
Sumrall began his emotional speech, by thanking everyone who made it possible.
Sumrall began his emotional speech, by thanking everyone who made it possible.
Stewart and Sumrall shook hands before the official toast.
Stewart and Sumrall shook hands before the official toast.
Stewart and Sumrall posed before everyone raised their glass.
Stewart and Sumrall posed before everyone raised their glass.
“Cheers to a Champion.”
“Cheers to a Champion.”
Stewart and Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson, spoke about the success of the event.
Stewart and Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson, spoke about the success of the event.
 Stewart and Whitney Ellis, Sales Manager with Visit Anderson, presented second place Luke Gritter with the official plaque and invitation to the Classic.
Stewart and Whitney Ellis, Sales Manager with Visit Anderson, presented second place Luke Gritter with the official plaque and invitation to the Classic.
Stewart and Wyatt Eidson, local Academy Store Director, presented third place Marty Giddens with the official plaque and last invitation for the Classic.
Stewart and Wyatt Eidson, local Academy Store Director, presented third place Marty Giddens with the official plaque and last invitation for the Classic.