College: Day 1 launch at the Ozarks

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Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwest Regional at Lake of the Ozarks presented by Bass Pro Shops starts under dark skies and low light conditions as teams start launching early on Wednesday.
Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwest Regional at Lake of the Ozarks presented by Bass Pro Shops starts under dark skies and low light conditions as teams start launching early on Wednesday.
Teams make their way down to the ramp and get ready to launch.
Teams make their way down to the ramp and get ready to launch.
Austin Chapman of McKendree hops in his boat as his partner drops him in the water.
Austin Chapman of McKendree hops in his boat as his partner drops him in the water.
Grand Glaze Marina was the takeoff site for this regional.
Grand Glaze Marina was the takeoff site for this regional.
Jordan Hartman of Murray State fires up his Humminbird graphs.
Jordan Hartman of Murray State fires up his Humminbird graphs.
Lake of the Ozarks Bassin' Bob had doughnuts on hand for anglers. I may have grabbed one.
Lake of the Ozarks Bassin’ Bob had doughnuts on hand for anglers. I may have grabbed one.
The University of Wisconsin is represented here this week.
The University of Wisconsin is represented here this week.
Boat 1 from Greenville College in Illinois gets tied up to the dock as they take their spot.
Boat 1 from Greenville College in Illinois gets tied up to the dock as they take their spot.
Boat 2 needed to finish up some tackle preparations.
Boat 2 needed to finish up some tackle preparations.
Former high school angler Jordan Mullis pulls into a dock slip with his partner Joe Long. Mullis and Long are representing the University of Indiana.
Former high school angler Jordan Mullis pulls into a dock slip with his partner Joe Long. Mullis and Long are representing the University of Indiana.
Teams get their lights hooked up and they all gather before takeoff.
Teams get their lights hooked up and they all gather before takeoff.
Teams docked up and hung out as they waited for the start to the day.
Teams docked up and hung out as they waited for the start to the day.
Tournament Director Hank Weldon informs the competitors that there are strong storm forecasts later in the day, which may possibly yield tornado force winds so check-in has been moved to 1 p.m. from the original 2:45 p.m. CT time slot. The bad weather shouldn't arrive until later once everyone is off the water.
Tournament Director Hank Weldon informs the competitors that there are strong storm forecasts later in the day, which may possibly yield tornado force winds so check-in has been moved to 1 p.m. from the original 2:45 p.m. CT time slot. The bad weather shouldn’t arrive until later once everyone is off the water.
But there were still decent winds and a slight drizzle to start the morning.
But there were still decent winds and a slight drizzle to start the morning.
There are 138 teams here at this event, which is a record for the Midwest Regional.
There are 138 teams here at this event, which is a record for the Midwest Regional.
McKendree University always has a good turnout when they travel to events.
McKendree University always has a good turnout when they travel to events.
Boat number 1 heads out as the clock hits 6:45 a.m.
Boat number 1 heads out as the clock hits 6:45 a.m.
Missouri State's Nick King comes by and gives a wave.
Missouri State’s Nick King comes by and gives a wave.
Another team lights up the night with their gunnel lights.
Another team lights up the night with their gunnel lights.
Another team rolls by with a wrapped boat in American Flag colors.
Another team rolls by with a wrapped boat in American Flag colors.
McKendree's Chapman idles by. He is looking for a Top 2 finish like last year.
McKendree’s Chapman idles by. He is looking for a Top 2 finish like last year.
Parents and coaches gather on the dock to cheer on their anglers.
Parents and coaches gather on the dock to cheer on their anglers.
Boats stage back in the marina area to make the takeoff process smooth.
Boats stage back in the marina area to make the takeoff process smooth.
Meanwhile teams that were close to the end just hung out until it was time to get ready.
Meanwhile teams that were close to the end just hung out until it was time to get ready.