High School: Midwest Open begins

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Anglers competing in the Costa Bassmaster High School Midwest Open presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods were met by steady rain showers when they arrived for take-off at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach, Missouri on Sunday morning. Just about everyone was bundled up from head to toe to protect themselves from the foul weather, and temperatures that were in the low 50s at launch. Sixty five tandems registered for the event and most hailed from states throughout the heartland of America.
Anglers competing in the Costa Bassmaster High School Midwest Open presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods were met by steady rain showers when they arrived for take-off at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach, Missouri on Sunday morning. Just about everyone was bundled up from head to toe to protect themselves from the foul weather, and temperatures that were in the low 50s at launch. Sixty five tandems registered for the event and most hailed from states throughout the heartland of America.
The anglers were treated to donuts, coffee, juice, and more by Bassing Bob when they got to Public Boat Ramp No. 2 at the park. The treats were welcomed, especially in the nasty weather on Sunday morning. Here, Chase Miller of the Stevens Point (Wisc.) Bass Club helps himself to a tasty treat before taking to the water.
The anglers were treated to donuts, coffee, juice, and more by Bassing Bob when they got to Public Boat Ramp No. 2 at the park. The treats were welcomed, especially in the nasty weather on Sunday morning. Here, Chase Miller of the Stevens Point (Wisc.) Bass Club helps himself to a tasty treat before taking to the water.
Bassing Bob crew on hand to greet the young anglers Sunday morning included, from left, Christi Boone, Steve Heitman, Diane Roling, and Rob Bueltmann. They’re happy to do it too. Check out their page on Facebook.
Bassing Bob crew on hand to greet the young anglers Sunday morning included, from left, Christi Boone, Steve Heitman, Diane Roling, and Rob Bueltmann. They’re happy to do it too. Check out their page on Facebook.
Tournament Director Hank Weldon takes a look at his phone which shows several bands of steady rain approaching Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The showers were intermittent until about 6:30 a.m., but became steady after that. There was a nine-minute delay of Sunday’s 7:30 a.m. start because of lightning in the area.
Tournament Director Hank Weldon takes a look at his phone which shows several bands of steady rain approaching Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The showers were intermittent until about 6:30 a.m., but became steady after that. There was a nine-minute delay of Sunday’s 7:30 a.m. start because of lightning in the area.
Hunter Meadows of the Central Oklahoma Community Team arrived early and had one of the coveted slips underneath and boat shed near the launch. He and partner Kaden Knoch are hoping to dunk the competition on Sunday.
Hunter Meadows of the Central Oklahoma Community Team arrived early and had one of the coveted slips underneath and boat shed near the launch. He and partner Kaden Knoch are hoping to dunk the competition on Sunday.
There’s Knoch who is waiting for the first flight of boats to line up.
There’s Knoch who is waiting for the first flight of boats to line up.
Taylor Hamburger of the Northeastern Oklahoma High School Bass Club is fishing solo on Sunday.
Taylor Hamburger of the Northeastern Oklahoma High School Bass Club is fishing solo on Sunday.
James Helfer and Drew Schrand were napping on their boat a few seconds before the camera flash startled them. They sat up long enough to smile for this photo. The boys fish with the Southeastern Bass Anglers of Indiana.
James Helfer and Drew Schrand were napping on their boat a few seconds before the camera flash startled them. They sat up long enough to smile for this photo. The boys fish with the Southeastern Bass Anglers of Indiana.
Zach Manneback of the Hartland (Mich.) Eagles Bass Club is wide awake and ready to hit the water.
Zach Manneback of the Hartland (Mich.) Eagles Bass Club is wide awake and ready to hit the water.
Looks like this young angler is about to give a fist bump to someone on the dock above him.
Looks like this young angler is about to give a fist bump to someone on the dock above him.
Areas under cover were prime real estate on Sunday morning. Here, some parents take photos of the high school anglers as they make their way through the take-off line.
Areas under cover were prime real estate on Sunday morning. Here, some parents take photos of the high school anglers as they make their way through the take-off line.
There’s boat No. 1 of the day – Douglas Guidorzi and William Curtright are the anglers aboard.
There’s boat No. 1 of the day – Douglas Guidorzi and William Curtright are the anglers aboard.
Connor Nimrod of the Desoto (Kans.) Bass Team does some work to his boat before take-off.
Connor Nimrod of the Desoto (Kans.) Bass Team does some work to his boat before take-off.
Trey Schroder is bundled up behind blue face gear, but fishing partner Grant Nisbet gives a smile. The boys fish for Lindbergh (Mo.) High School.
Trey Schroder is bundled up behind blue face gear, but fishing partner Grant Nisbet gives a smile. The boys fish for Lindbergh (Mo.) High School.
The first few boats in Sunday’s first flight line up along a concrete dock awaiting word for take-off.
The first few boats in Sunday’s first flight line up along a concrete dock awaiting word for take-off.
This team idles up to the dock as raindrops fall all around.
This team idles up to the dock as raindrops fall all around.
There’s an up-close look at Boat No. 1 – the Guidorzi and Curtright team and their captain who is all smiles despite the wet weather.
There’s an up-close look at Boat No. 1 – the Guidorzi and Curtright team and their captain who is all smiles despite the wet weather.
Hot coffee and pastries were last minute snacks before blast off.
Hot coffee and pastries were last minute snacks before blast off.
Noah Lewis of the Raintree (Mo.) High School Anglers Club readies a lure for fishing.
Noah Lewis of the Raintree (Mo.) High School Anglers Club readies a lure for fishing.
Finished with his gear work, Lewis and partner Tyler Eagan pose for a shot.
Finished with his gear work, Lewis and partner Tyler Eagan pose for a shot.
All smiles despite the rain beginning to really come down. This is the team of Mason Mitchell, left, and Logan Bailey of Oklahoma. Captain Bruce Collins is at middle.
All smiles despite the rain beginning to really come down. This is the team of Mason Mitchell, left, and Logan Bailey of Oklahoma. Captain Bruce Collins is at middle.
B.A.S.S. kept Old Glory as close to cover as possible as the National Anthem was played.
B.A.S.S. kept Old Glory as close to cover as possible as the National Anthem was played.
And then lightning crashed, and a short delay began. Wisconsin angler Evan Marcell sits forlornly waiting for takeoff to begin.These guys are talking strategy while the rain comes down.
And then lightning crashed, and a short delay began. Wisconsin angler Evan Marcell sits forlornly waiting for takeoff to begin.These guys are talking strategy while the rain comes down.
These guys are talking strategy while the rain comes down.
These guys are talking strategy while the rain comes down.
Captain Charles King, and anglers Draven Ray and Austin Shook of Plattsmouth Blue Devil Fishing in Nebraska wait out the rain under cover.
Captain Charles King, and anglers Draven Ray and Austin Shook of Plattsmouth Blue Devil Fishing in Nebraska wait out the rain under cover.
With the storm moving away from the area, anglers began to spring to life again.
With the storm moving away from the area, anglers began to spring to life again.
Nehemiah Glenn of Lakeville (Minn.) High pushes his boat away from the dock.
Nehemiah Glenn of Lakeville (Minn.) High pushes his boat away from the dock.
And the anglers began to head out.
And the anglers began to head out.
The Everest (Wisc.) Bass Club team of Karson Knetter and Evan Marcell roll through the start.
The Everest (Wisc.) Bass Club team of Karson Knetter and Evan Marcell roll through the start.
There’s Hunter Miller and Dalton Strowick of Broken Arrow (Okla.) High.
There’s Hunter Miller and Dalton Strowick of Broken Arrow (Okla.) High.
Here’s a Wisconsin angler ready to catch his boat number.
Here’s a Wisconsin angler ready to catch his boat number.
The team of Drew Schrand and James Helfer motor through the start. They’re from Southeastern (Indiana) Bass Anglers.
The team of Drew Schrand and James Helfer motor through the start. They’re from Southeastern (Indiana) Bass Anglers.
This fellow could be signaling his team is going for the win, but he’s actually part of a team from Wisconsin, hence the “W” sign he’s flashing.
This fellow could be signaling his team is going for the win, but he’s actually part of a team from Wisconsin, hence the “W” sign he’s flashing.
And the boats keep coming in the rain. The anglers are bundled tightly, knowing a stiff ride is in store.
And the boats keep coming in the rain. The anglers are bundled tightly, knowing a stiff ride is in store.
This young angler at middle is playful, despite the weather.
This young angler at middle is playful, despite the weather.
Illinois’ Broc Bundren and Alex Jimenez are in camo as they make their way onto Lake of the Ozarks.
Illinois’ Broc Bundren and Alex Jimenez are in camo as they make their way onto Lake of the Ozarks.
Here’s the team of Hunter French and Jonny Cole of Kansas making their way to the start.
Here’s the team of Hunter French and Jonny Cole of Kansas making their way to the start.
Cole Zagrzebski and Jesse Pliska of Wisconsin are “hanging loose” on Lake of the Ozarks.
Cole Zagrzebski and Jesse Pliska of Wisconsin are “hanging loose” on Lake of the Ozarks.
The final boats of the day head through the starting checkpoint.
The final boats of the day head through the starting checkpoint.
And roll out onto the expanse that is Lake of the Ozarks.
And roll out onto the expanse that is Lake of the Ozarks.
B.A.S.S. staff break down the start-up area in the rain. They’ll be back at Lake of the Ozarks State Park with the 65 high school teams for weigh-in at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
B.A.S.S. staff break down the start-up area in the rain. They’ll be back at Lake of the Ozarks State Park with the 65 high school teams for weigh-in at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.