Meet the 2013 Nation contenders

From bankers to mechanics to criminal defense attorneys, the competitors in the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship are as varied as they come.

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<p>For the past several months, states have been sending their best teams to B.A.S.S. Nation Divisionals, where the top competitor for each state has earned an invitation to fish in the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Now, Oct. 24-26 on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark., these 56 anglers will compete to be the best in their division. The best angler from each of the six regions will take a trip to Guntersville, Ala., in February to vie for the Bassmaster Classic trophy. You can download a scorecard <a href=
For the past several months, states have been sending their best teams to B.A.S.S. Nation Divisionals, where the top competitor for each state has earned an invitation to fish in the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Now, Oct. 24-26 on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark., these 56 anglers will compete to be the best in their division. The best angler from each of the six regions will take a trip to Guntersville, Ala., in February to vie for the Bassmaster Classic trophy. You can download a scorecard here.
Chris Adams of Vermont stays busy. He works in public and government relations, but he’s also a hockey coach and a firefighter. He enjoys deer hunting and golf, and to him, there’s nothing better than spending time with his fiancé and his black lab. Adams has made the Vermont state team six times, but this is his first time going to the championship.
Chris Adams of Vermont stays busy. He works in public and government relations, but he’s also a hockey coach and a firefighter. He enjoys deer hunting and golf, and to him, there’s nothing better than spending time with his fiancé and his black lab. Adams has made the Vermont state team six times, but this is his first time going to the championship.
Nick Ash of Nebraska works in construction. He’s headed to his first championship. He hunts when he’s not fishing with his club, the Midwest Bass Anglers. He’ll be competing in the Central Division.
Nick Ash of Nebraska works in construction. He’s headed to his first championship. He hunts when he’s not fishing with his club, the Midwest Bass Anglers. He’ll be competing in the Central Division.
Jim Barczak of Wisconsin is a design engineer. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, shooting, dirt biking, snowmobiling and spending time with his family. Barczak is a member of the Oshkosh Bassmasters, and he’ll represent his state in the Northern Division.
Jim Barczak of Wisconsin is a design engineer. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, shooting, dirt biking, snowmobiling and spending time with his family. Barczak is a member of the Oshkosh Bassmasters, and he’ll represent his state in the Northern Division.
Leo Bevelaqua of Rhode Island is heading to his second championship. He owns his own construction company, Bevelaqua Construction, and in his spare time, he hangs out with his family. He surprised everyone at the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional by bringing a 7-pound, 8-ounce bass to the scales from Sebago Lake. The bass was bigger than all the others by more than 1 pound.
Leo Bevelaqua of Rhode Island is heading to his second championship. He owns his own construction company, Bevelaqua Construction, and in his spare time, he hangs out with his family. He surprised everyone at the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional by bringing a 7-pound, 8-ounce bass to the scales from Sebago Lake. The bass was bigger than all the others by more than 1 pound.
Chris Blair of Georgia will be competing in his first championship after eight times of making the state team. “All I do is fish and work as an electrician to afford to go fishing!” he said. He added that when he’s not fishing or hunting, he’s looking for places to go fishing. Blair is a member of the Clayton County Bassmasters.
Chris Blair of Georgia will be competing in his first championship after eight times of making the state team. “All I do is fish and work as an electrician to afford to go fishing!” he said. He added that when he’s not fishing or hunting, he’s looking for places to go fishing. Blair is a member of the Clayton County Bassmasters.
Kris Bosley, who lives in Texas, qualified through New Mexico to go to the B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional. From there, he qualified to go to his first championship. He likes hunting as well as fishing. Bosley is a financial representative for the Modern Woodmen of America.
Kris Bosley, who lives in Texas, qualified through New Mexico to go to the B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional. From there, he qualified to go to his first championship. He likes hunting as well as fishing. Bosley is a financial representative for the Modern Woodmen of America.
David Boyd of Florida is a member of the Quincy Bassmasters. He works on trees as a profession, but he spends his spare time fishing and hunting. Boyd has qualified for the championship once before, so he’s working for the second time on a chance to get to the Classic.
David Boyd of Florida is a member of the Quincy Bassmasters. He works on trees as a profession, but he spends his spare time fishing and hunting. Boyd has qualified for the championship once before, so he’s working for the second time on a chance to get to the Classic.
Beau Branine of Kansas fishes with the Chisholm Trail club. This is his second championship. He works for the city of Wichita as an equipment operator. He hunts when he’s not fishing.
Beau Branine of Kansas fishes with the Chisholm Trail club. This is his second championship. He works for the city of Wichita as an equipment operator. He hunts when he’s not fishing.
Coby Carden of Alabama competed on the Bassmaster Tour about 10 years ago, but he left his life of a pro to spend more time at home with his family. Now, he’s a commercial salesman for Builders First Source, as well as the assistant chief of an EMS/rescue unit. Carden won the B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional on Tennessee’s Douglas Lake.
Coby Carden of Alabama competed on the Bassmaster Tour about 10 years ago, but he left his life of a pro to spend more time at home with his family. Now, he’s a commercial salesman for Builders First Source, as well as the assistant chief of an EMS/rescue unit. Carden won the B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional on Tennessee’s Douglas Lake.
<p>Juan Ro Chagollan Jr. of Mexico is only 16 years old. The junior high school student will represent his country in the championship, and he'll be the youngest competitor there. In fact, some of the Bassmaster Junior World Championship contenders are older than Chagollan! This is Chagollan's first trip to the championship.</p>
Juan Ro Chagollan Jr. of Mexico is only 16 years old. The junior high school student will represent his country in the championship, and he’ll be the youngest competitor there. In fact, some of the Bassmaster Junior World Championship contenders are older than Chagollan! This is Chagollan’s first trip to the championship.
Joe Cole, who lives in Utah but will represent Wyoming, stays on the road: His office is a tow truck. When he’s not on wheels, he’s coaching wrestling at the junior high and high schools in his area. Cole is competing in his first championship after 10 times on the state team.
Joe Cole, who lives in Utah but will represent Wyoming, stays on the road: His office is a tow truck. When he’s not on wheels, he’s coaching wrestling at the junior high and high schools in his area. Cole is competing in his first championship after 10 times on the state team.
Albert Collins of Texas is dying to get back to the Bassmaster Classic. He went last year — for winning the Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship only one week after not taking the top spot in the Central Division in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Collins is a plumber, but he spends a lot of time working around the farm as well.
Albert Collins of Texas is dying to get back to the Bassmaster Classic. He went last year — for winning the Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship only one week after not taking the top spot in the Central Division in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Collins is a plumber, but he spends a lot of time working around the farm as well.
Phil Curtis of Ontario works for the Canadian government in the Fisheries & Oceans department, but he spends almost as much time chasing around his 3-year-old. He’s a member of the Muskoka Bassmasters, and he’s representing his province in the championship for the first time.
Phil Curtis of Ontario works for the Canadian government in the Fisheries & Oceans department, but he spends almost as much time chasing around his 3-year-old. He’s a member of the Muskoka Bassmasters, and he’s representing his province in the championship for the first time.
<p>Alessandro Debbi of Italy is crossing the Atlantic to represent his home country in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He made it to the championship once before, in 2006. He likes soccer, photography and traveling. He spends his days working as the general manager of Bass Style, a fishing tackle company.</p>
Alessandro Debbi of Italy is crossing the Atlantic to represent his home country in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He made it to the championship once before, in 2006. He likes soccer, photography and traveling. He spends his days working as the general manager of Bass Style, a fishing tackle company.
Alan Denise, who lives in Massachusetts, qualified through the state of New Hampshire in the Eastern Division. He’s been to the championship twice in the last 20 years; now he’s giving it his third shot. He’s retired, and when he’s not fishing, he’s making his own lures.
Alan Denise, who lives in Massachusetts, qualified through the state of New Hampshire in the Eastern Division. He’s been to the championship twice in the last 20 years; now he’s giving it his third shot. He’s retired, and when he’s not fishing, he’s making his own lures.
Stanley Dodson, who lives in West Virginia, is representing Ohio in the championship. He’s an assistant plant manager at Martin Marietta Materials, where he works 13 to 14 hours per day. “My time off is spent with my wife going to flea markets,” he said.
Stanley Dodson, who lives in West Virginia, is representing Ohio in the championship. He’s an assistant plant manager at Martin Marietta Materials, where he works 13 to 14 hours per day. “My time off is spent with my wife going to flea markets,” he said.
<p>Mark Dove of Indiana won the 2012 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, and he’s returning this year to defend his title. If he wins again, he’ll be going to his third Bassmaster Classic. He’s an attorney, and when he’s not in the courtroom or poring over legal documents, he’s raising his beagles and hunting.</p>
Mark Dove of Indiana won the 2012 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, and he’s returning this year to defend his title. If he wins again, he’ll be going to his third Bassmaster Classic. He’s an attorney, and when he’s not in the courtroom or poring over legal documents, he’s raising his beagles and hunting.
John Duarte Jr. of Maryland is going to his second B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, but it’s the first time he’s competing as an adult. When he attended before, in 2009, he was fishing in the Bassmaster Junior World Championship, which is held in conjunction with the BNC. He took home the trophy in the younger age group back then. Now, he’s 18 years old and in college. Outside the classroom, he spends time fishing, lifting weights and playing basketball.
John Duarte Jr. of Maryland is going to his second B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, but it’s the first time he’s competing as an adult. When he attended before, in 2009, he was fishing in the Bassmaster Junior World Championship, which is held in conjunction with the BNC. He took home the trophy in the younger age group back then. Now, he’s 18 years old and in college. Outside the classroom, he spends time fishing, lifting weights and playing basketball.
Monty Fralick of South Dakota has fishing in his blood. Besides the fact that he’s made the state team 20 times and made the championship twice, Fralick can boast that he taught a Bassmaster Elite Series pro everything he knew: His son, Jami Fralick, competes on the top bass pro trail and has been to the Classic three times — including once from the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
Monty Fralick of South Dakota has fishing in his blood. Besides the fact that he’s made the state team 20 times and made the championship twice, Fralick can boast that he taught a Bassmaster Elite Series pro everything he knew: His son, Jami Fralick, competes on the top bass pro trail and has been to the Classic three times — including once from the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
Michael Gibney of Oregon can share, retweet and hashtag anything you put in front of him. He’s not just an angler; he’s also a social media marketing guru. When he’s not posting his latest status update, he’s fishing, hunting or golfing. Gibney will be competing in his third championship.
Michael Gibney of Oregon can share, retweet and hashtag anything you put in front of him. He’s not just an angler; he’s also a social media marketing guru. When he’s not posting his latest status update, he’s fishing, hunting or golfing. Gibney will be competing in his third championship.
<p>Alastair Graham will travel all the way from South Africa to compete in his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Graham is a city planner. In his spare time, he likes to run, go to the gym, read and watch his kids compete in karate and mixed martial arts.</p>
Alastair Graham will travel all the way from South Africa to compete in his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Graham is a city planner. In his spare time, he likes to run, go to the gym, read and watch his kids compete in karate and mixed martial arts.
Keegan Graves of Idaho owns a steel erection company, Capitol Steel. But he likes spending time with his wife and four kids most. “I do my best to be a dad and husband,” said Graves. This will be his first time in the championship.
Keegan Graves of Idaho owns a steel erection company, Capitol Steel. But he likes spending time with his wife and four kids most. “I do my best to be a dad and husband,” said Graves. This will be his first time in the championship.
Nathan Gray of Indiana is headed to his first championship. He likes spending time with his wife and two kids, and he also volunteers with a local Boy Scouts troop as a committee member and merit badge counselor. Gray is a land surveyor by trade.
Nathan Gray of Indiana is headed to his first championship. He likes spending time with his wife and two kids, and he also volunteers with a local Boy Scouts troop as a committee member and merit badge counselor. Gray is a land surveyor by trade.
Jim Groome of New Jersey, a father of two, describes himself as a soccer dad. He’s also a big Green Bay Packers fan, and he likes hunting, too. Groome works as a state correctional officer and is a member of the club Rippin Lipz.
Jim Groome of New Jersey, a father of two, describes himself as a soccer dad. He’s also a big Green Bay Packers fan, and he likes hunting, too. Groome works as a state correctional officer and is a member of the club Rippin Lipz.
Laurence Hogue of Maine is a mason, a father of two and a member of the Black Bear Bassmasters. This will be his first trip to the championship, but he’s been on the state team seven times.
Laurence Hogue of Maine is a mason, a father of two and a member of the Black Bear Bassmasters. This will be his first trip to the championship, but he’s been on the state team seven times.
Tim Johnston of Montana works to make his patients feel comfortable as a nurse anesthetist. When he’s not keeping pain at bay, he’s making lures, coaching baseball or playing guitar in a worship band. This is his first championship after 11 tries on the state team. He’s a member of the Western Montana Bassmasters.
Tim Johnston of Montana works to make his patients feel comfortable as a nurse anesthetist. When he’s not keeping pain at bay, he’s making lures, coaching baseball or playing guitar in a worship band. This is his first championship after 11 tries on the state team. He’s a member of the Western Montana Bassmasters.
David Junk of Illinois is going to his second championship. He is a member of the River Rat Anglers and has made the state team 10 times. He likes waterfowl hunting in addition to fishing.
David Junk of Illinois is going to his second championship. He is a member of the River Rat Anglers and has made the state team 10 times. He likes waterfowl hunting in addition to fishing.
Randy Ladner of Mississippi has been to one championship already and is making a repeat appearance. For work, he’s a toolroom attendant; for fun, he plays gospel music on the guitar. He’s a member of the Back Bay Bassmasters.
Randy Ladner of Mississippi has been to one championship already and is making a repeat appearance. For work, he’s a toolroom attendant; for fun, he plays gospel music on the guitar. He’s a member of the Back Bay Bassmasters.
Randy Lamanche of New York is a food service director. He likes hunting, bowling and golfing. This is Lamanche’s first championship after three times on the state team. He’s a member of the Salt City Bassmasters.
Randy Lamanche of New York is a food service director. He likes hunting, bowling and golfing. This is Lamanche’s first championship after three times on the state team. He’s a member of the Salt City Bassmasters.
Ryan Lavigne of Louisiana is a proud father. His hobby, he says, is “taking care of my newborn baby girl.” When he has to break away from the crib, he goes to work as a process technician. He’s a member of the Ascension Area Anglers and will be competing in his first championship.
Ryan Lavigne of Louisiana is a proud father. His hobby, he says, is “taking care of my newborn baby girl.” When he has to break away from the crib, he goes to work as a process technician. He’s a member of the Ascension Area Anglers and will be competing in his first championship.
Cory Leonard of North Carolina fights fires for a living. Away from the fire station, he likes hunting and fishing. He’s a member of the Sandy Creek Bassmasters, and this is his first time at the championship.
Cory Leonard of North Carolina fights fires for a living. Away from the fire station, he likes hunting and fishing. He’s a member of the Sandy Creek Bassmasters, and this is his first time at the championship.
Dean Lewis of Zimbabwe is traveling across the ocean to get to his first championship. The African angler enjoys just relaxing when he’s not fishing or working as a marine technician. Lewis is a member of the club Chinhoyi.
Dean Lewis of Zimbabwe is traveling across the ocean to get to his first championship. The African angler enjoys just relaxing when he’s not fishing or working as a marine technician. Lewis is a member of the club Chinhoyi.
Jeff Lugar of Virginia is coming fresh off a win at the recent B.A.S.S. Nation Mid-Atlantic Divisional. For work, he’s a production manager at M&H Plastics Inc. For fun, he hunts, goes camping, jogs and listens to music.
Jeff Lugar of Virginia is coming fresh off a win at the recent B.A.S.S. Nation Mid-Atlantic Divisional. For work, he’s a production manager at M&H Plastics Inc. For fun, he hunts, goes camping, jogs and listens to music.
Ed McCaw of Colorado spends lots of time outside. He likes helping with the family ranch, and he works as a natural resources conservationist. The Southwest Colorado Bassmasters member has already been to one championship; he’s looking for a chance at the Bassmaster Classic once again this year.
Ed McCaw of Colorado spends lots of time outside. He likes helping with the family ranch, and he works as a natural resources conservationist. The Southwest Colorado Bassmasters member has already been to one championship; he’s looking for a chance at the Bassmaster Classic once again this year.
Jesse Milicevic of Nevada loves spending time with his son, Jacob. When he’s not home with his family, he goes to work as a superintendent. Milicevic is a member of the Nevada Bass Anglers, and he’ll be competing in his second championship.
Jesse Milicevic of Nevada loves spending time with his son, Jacob. When he’s not home with his family, he goes to work as a superintendent. Milicevic is a member of the Nevada Bass Anglers, and he’ll be competing in his second championship.
Mike Moran of Pennsylvania likes hunting, trapping and golf. Moran is a mason by trade. He’s a member of the Road Warriors, and this is his first championship.
Mike Moran of Pennsylvania likes hunting, trapping and golf. Moran is a mason by trade. He’s a member of the Road Warriors, and this is his first championship.
Paul Mueller of Connecticut fishes all the time. He’s a fishing guide, and he competes in tournaments as a pro every chance he gets. He just won the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional in Maine. Mueller is a member of the Candlewood Bassmasters, and he likes basketball and spending time with family and friends.
Paul Mueller of Connecticut fishes all the time. He’s a fishing guide, and he competes in tournaments as a pro every chance he gets. He just won the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional in Maine. Mueller is a member of the Candlewood Bassmasters, and he likes basketball and spending time with family and friends.
<p>Alberto Rodriguez Oliver of Spain is making the trek all the way from Europe for the second time in as many months. He just journeyed over for the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional. Oliver is an electrical engineer, and this is his first championship. He is only the second Spanish contender to qualify for the championship. Oliver enjoys cycling when he's not fishing.</p>
Alberto Rodriguez Oliver of Spain is making the trek all the way from Europe for the second time in as many months. He just journeyed over for the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional. Oliver is an electrical engineer, and this is his first championship. He is only the second Spanish contender to qualify for the championship. Oliver enjoys cycling when he’s not fishing.
Dan Parker of Iowa owns his own real estate company, Parker Realty. He qualified for the championship in 2010, so this is his second shot at a Classic spot. He’s a member of NE Iowa Bass.
Dan Parker of Iowa owns his own real estate company, Parker Realty. He qualified for the championship in 2010, so this is his second shot at a Classic spot. He’s a member of NE Iowa Bass.
Brandon Pedigo of Oklahoma is fishing in the B.A.S.S. Nation for the first time, and he’s already qualified for a championship. He loves cars: He’s a mechanic who enjoys hot rods especially, and he even works on cars in his spare time. Pedigo is a member of the Middle Oklahoma Bassmasters.
Brandon Pedigo of Oklahoma is fishing in the B.A.S.S. Nation for the first time, and he’s already qualified for a championship. He loves cars: He’s a mechanic who enjoys hot rods especially, and he even works on cars in his spare time. Pedigo is a member of the Middle Oklahoma Bassmasters.
Jeremy Percifield of Washington is competing in back-to-back championships. This year, he qualified by winning the overall B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional. Percifield works on cars for a living and works on bass boats for fun. He also likes archery hunting and shooting varmints.
Jeremy Percifield of Washington is competing in back-to-back championships. This year, he qualified by winning the overall B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional. Percifield works on cars for a living and works on bass boats for fun. He also likes archery hunting and shooting varmints.
Randy Phillips of Massachusetts is headed to his third championship. He loves hockey: He plays it and coaches it. He also likes working out and spending time with his wife and two kids. He spends his days in the corner office, working as the VP of Atlas Box & Crating.
Randy Phillips of Massachusetts is headed to his third championship. He loves hockey: He plays it and coaches it. He also likes working out and spending time with his wife and two kids. He spends his days in the corner office, working as the VP of Atlas Box & Crating.
Mark Pierce, who lives in Kentucky, will represent Tennessee at the championship. He will go down in the annals of B.A.S.S. history for catching the biggest bass at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, against all the top pros. Pierce serves his country in the U.S. Army. Fishing is his only hobby, but if he has to pick something besides bass catching as a pastime, he’ll choose mowing. That’s seriously what he said.
Mark Pierce, who lives in Kentucky, will represent Tennessee at the championship. He will go down in the annals of B.A.S.S. history for catching the biggest bass at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, against all the top pros. Pierce serves his country in the U.S. Army. Fishing is his only hobby, but if he has to pick something besides bass catching as a pastime, he’ll choose mowing. That’s seriously what he said.
William Pioch of West Virginia is retired from the West Virginia State Police. He’s never been to a championship before, but he’s made the state team 10 times previously. He likes hunting, and he’s a member of the New River Bassmasters.
William Pioch of West Virginia is retired from the West Virginia State Police. He’s never been to a championship before, but he’s made the state team 10 times previously. He likes hunting, and he’s a member of the New River Bassmasters.
Mike Powell of Utah works as a general contractor. When he’s not at a building site, he said he enjoys “hunting with my boys and spending time with my beautiful wife, Christy.” He’s made the state team five times, but this is his first trip to the championship. Powell is a member of the Park City Bassmasters.
Mike Powell of Utah works as a general contractor. When he’s not at a building site, he said he enjoys “hunting with my boys and spending time with my beautiful wife, Christy.” He’s made the state team five times, but this is his first trip to the championship. Powell is a member of the Park City Bassmasters.
Ted Prisbe of Michigan spends all his spare time hunting. He likes hunting deer and waterfowl, and he also trains dogs for hunting. This trip will be Prisbe’s third to the championship, and he has more than 20 qualifications to his credit as a member of the state team. He’s an HVAC general foreman.
Ted Prisbe of Michigan spends all his spare time hunting. He likes hunting deer and waterfowl, and he also trains dogs for hunting. This trip will be Prisbe’s third to the championship, and he has more than 20 qualifications to his credit as a member of the state team. He’s an HVAC general foreman.
John Proctor of South Carolina is a proud new father. It was only a few weeks ago that he and his wife had their first child, Kinley Knox Proctor. Proctor is an accountant at Conway National Bank, and he loves college football and golf. He is a member of the Conway Bassmasters, and this is his first trip to the championship.
John Proctor of South Carolina is a proud new father. It was only a few weeks ago that he and his wife had their first child, Kinley Knox Proctor. Proctor is an accountant at Conway National Bank, and he loves college football and golf. He is a member of the Conway Bassmasters, and this is his first trip to the championship.
<p>Ron Ryals is the Paralyzed Veterans of America contender in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Each year, the PVA sends its Angler of the Year to compete for a chance at the Bassmaster Classic. Ryals represented the PVA in 2010 as well. He will compete in the Mid-Atlantic Division.</p>
Ron Ryals is the Paralyzed Veterans of America contender in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Each year, the PVA sends its Angler of the Year to compete for a chance at the Bassmaster Classic. Ryals represented the PVA in 2010 as well. He will compete in the Mid-Atlantic Division.
Drew Sadler of Kentucky leads college admissions at Sullivan University, and he coaches for a bass fishing team in Oklahoma. The B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional was Sadler’s first time on the state team, and of course, this is his first time at a championship. There’s another big first looming for Sadler, too: He and his wife, Genna, are expecting their first child.
Drew Sadler of Kentucky leads college admissions at Sullivan University, and he coaches for a bass fishing team in Oklahoma. The B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional was Sadler’s first time on the state team, and of course, this is his first time at a championship. There’s another big first looming for Sadler, too: He and his wife, Genna, are expecting their first child.
Brian Severson of Arizona is a do-it-yourself kind of guy. “If it’s broke, I can fix it,” he said, “and if it’s not, I can fix that, too!” He likes home theater, welding, muscle cars, motorcycles and off-roading. He works as a mechanical engineer in the semiconductor equipment industry.
Brian Severson of Arizona is a do-it-yourself kind of guy. “If it’s broke, I can fix it,” he said, “and if it’s not, I can fix that, too!” He likes home theater, welding, muscle cars, motorcycles and off-roading. He works as a mechanical engineer in the semiconductor equipment industry.
Jim Severson of Minnesota is competing in his second championship. He’s a digital print operator for work and a waterfowl hunter for play. Severson is a member of the 10,000 Lakes Bassmasters.
Jim Severson of Minnesota is competing in his second championship. He’s a digital print operator for work and a waterfowl hunter for play. Severson is a member of the 10,000 Lakes Bassmasters.
Doug Thompson of Arkansas is a senior hardware technician. He’s been to one championship six years ago and is taking another stab this year at a Classic spot for the Central Division. He likes hunting when he’s not fishing.
Doug Thompson of Arkansas is a senior hardware technician. He’s been to one championship six years ago and is taking another stab this year at a Classic spot for the Central Division. He likes hunting when he’s not fishing.
<p>Shinichiro Tsuchiya of Japan is traveling from the Land of the Rising Sun this month to compete in his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He likes watching TV and listening to music. </p>
Shinichiro Tsuchiya of Japan is traveling from the Land of the Rising Sun this month to compete in his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He likes watching TV and listening to music. 
Jason Vaughn of Delaware is surrounded by fishing gear as the supervisor of the fishing department at Gander Mountain. What does he do in his spare time? “I have two kids — one 5-year-old son and an 8-month-old daughter. I have no spare time.”
Jason Vaughn of Delaware is surrounded by fishing gear as the supervisor of the fishing department at Gander Mountain. What does he do in his spare time? “I have two kids — one 5-year-old son and an 8-month-old daughter. I have no spare time.”
Ronald Welch of California is a physical therapist, but he’s also spending lots of time going to college to get his doctorate degree. He likes going to church and riding his motorcycle. He has competed on the California state team two years in a row — against his identical twin brother, Donald.
Ronald Welch of California is a physical therapist, but he’s also spending lots of time going to college to get his doctorate degree. He likes going to church and riding his motorcycle. He has competed on the California state team two years in a row — against his identical twin brother, Donald.
Brian Wilson, who lives in Iowa, will represent Missouri at the championship. He’s a drywall contractor, but in his spare time, he likes listening to bluegrass music, hunting deer and trapping raccoons. Wilson has been on the state team six times, but this is his first championship.
Brian Wilson, who lives in Iowa, will represent Missouri at the championship. He’s a drywall contractor, but in his spare time, he likes listening to bluegrass music, hunting deer and trapping raccoons. Wilson has been on the state team six times, but this is his first championship.