Signing up for a showdown

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Kevin VanDam was the first angler we noticed when we pulled into the parking lot where registration was held. He was working on tackle and visiting with Davy Hite and J.D. Blackburn.
Kevin VanDam was the first angler we noticed when we pulled into the parking lot where registration was held. He was working on tackle and visiting with Davy Hite and J.D. Blackburn.
Jonathon VanDam was using those few minutes to put new line on his reels...
Jonathon VanDam was using those few minutes to put new line on his reels…
...and so was Dean Rojas.
…and so was Dean Rojas.
The Marshals had already arrived for their meeting that started before the Elite Series anglers arrived.
The Marshals had already arrived for their meeting that started before the Elite Series anglers arrived.
This area is home to not only Cherokee Lake, but to Douglas Lake as well. There will be a B.A.S.S. Northern Open held on Douglas Lake later in the year.
This area is home to not only Cherokee Lake, but to Douglas Lake as well. There will be a B.A.S.S. Northern Open held on Douglas Lake later in the year.
Some of the first Elite Series angler's begin to arrive, and make their first stop...
Some of the first Elite Series angler’s begin to arrive, and make their first stop…
...to pick up new hoodies provided by Carhartt.
…to pick up new hoodies provided by Carhartt.
The line to present current fishing licenses to B.A.S.S. officials gets longer as more angler's arrive.
The line to present current fishing licenses to B.A.S.S. officials gets longer as more angler’s arrive.
The beginning of a new season is old hat to veterans Gary Klein and Rick Clunn.
The beginning of a new season is old hat to veterans Gary Klein and Rick Clunn.
Mike Iaconelli was happy to see his new tournament jerseys had arrived just in time for the first event of the year.
Mike Iaconelli was happy to see his new tournament jerseys had arrived just in time for the first event of the year.
A successful group visiting right here. Between them Skeet Reese, Randy Howell and Brent Chapman have won Angler of the Year titles and Bassmaster Classic championships.
A successful group visiting right here. Between them Skeet Reese, Randy Howell and Brent Chapman have won Angler of the Year titles and Bassmaster Classic championships.
With the paperwork and formalities of registration about out of the way...
With the paperwork and formalities of registration about out of the way…
...there was a bit of time to visit. Pictured here are David Walker, Tommy Biffle and David Fritts. Fritts is returning to the Elite Series this year on a legend's exemption.
…there was a bit of time to visit. Pictured here are David Walker, Tommy Biffle and David Fritts. Fritts is returning to the Elite Series this year on a legend’s exemption.
Word gets out the Marshals are finished with their meeting and the Elite Series angler's move to meet them.
Word gets out the Marshals are finished with their meeting and the Elite Series angler’s move to meet them.
Brandon Palaniuk was taking pictures too, to use on social media.
Brandon Palaniuk was taking pictures too, to use on social media.
One last chance to meet one of your Elite Series heroes before the meeting was called to order.
One last chance to meet one of your Elite Series heroes before the meeting was called to order.
Mark Menendez and Bradley Roy settled into their seats...
Mark Menendez and Bradley Roy settled into their seats…
...along with Stephen Browning and Brent Ehrler.
…along with Stephen Browning and Brent Ehrler.
Bill Lowen and Matt Herren pull out their rule sheets.
Bill Lowen and Matt Herren pull out their rule sheets.
As the meeting got underway we began to see more game faces.
As the meeting got underway we began to see more game faces.
As one can see from the information sheet Hank Cherry is holding, there was a lot to go over.
As one can see from the information sheet Hank Cherry is holding, there was a lot to go over.
Skylar Hamilton is an Elite Series rookie, but the East Tennessee native is no stranger to fishing Cherokee Lake.
Skylar Hamilton is an Elite Series rookie, but the East Tennessee native is no stranger to fishing Cherokee Lake.
However, Elite Series rookies Gerald Spohrer and Robbie Latuso probably don't have a lot of experience here.
However, Elite Series rookies Gerald Spohrer and Robbie Latuso probably don’t have a lot of experience here.
We couldn't help notice there were more beards on being sported this year. Gerald Swindle and David Mullins were both unshaven.
We couldn’t help notice there were more beards on being sported this year. Gerald Swindle and David Mullins were both unshaven.
There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd we know from years past...
There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd we know from years past…
...but there were also the newcomers to the Elite Series like Stetson Blaylock. Every new member of the club was asked to stand and be recognized.
…but there were also the newcomers to the Elite Series like Stetson Blaylock. Every new member of the club was asked to stand and be recognized.
Among them Alton Jones, Jr.
Among them Alton Jones, Jr.
Gerald Swindle was recognized as the reigning Angler of the Year, and Edwin Evers as being the current Bassmaster Classic champion.
Gerald Swindle was recognized as the reigning Angler of the Year, and Edwin Evers as being the current Bassmaster Classic champion.
Kelly Jaye rolled out his game face for the meeting...
Kelly Jaye rolled out his game face for the meeting…
...as did Shane Lineberger.
…as did Shane Lineberger.
Alton Jones and everybody in attendance stayed after the meeting for pulled pork sandwiches and sides.
Alton Jones and everybody in attendance stayed after the meeting for pulled pork sandwiches and sides.