Yardbird party in Monroe

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There's only one night at the annual B.A.S.S. Nation Championship where the staff gets to relax together, and that's the Yardbird Party.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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The staff and service crew meet in the lobby in the evening after their 2:30 a.m. wake-up call and tournament setup all day.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Emily Hand, B.A.S.S. Nation coordinator, and Helen Northcutt, B.A.S.S. communications manager, are on the guest list.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Tony Quick, Billy Myers and Hank Weldon have had a long day, and coffee is keeping them awake after hours in the sun.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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The staff loads up in the Toyotas ...

Photo: Tyler Wade

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... and heads down the road to Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Monroe, La.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Jackson Blackett, a member of the University of Louisiana Monroe team, is here, as are other members of the team. They're volunteering this week, thanks to their proximity and generosity.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Once inside, Alan Pierce, Billy Myers and Max Leatherwood swap stories from the day.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Brett Preuett, left, is not only a member of the University of Louisiana Monroe team, he's also the college series' representative to the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic. Joe Dee Dycus, center, is the volunteer coordinator for the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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We're not saying it's a healthy dinner. We're just saying it's good.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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The guys on the service crew are here to help out championship contenders ...

Photo: Tyler Wade

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... who experience a breakdown during their stay in Louisiana. Without these guys, some contenders could be in serious trouble if they have a maintenance issue.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Blackett, who is known for his beautiful tresses, got ribbed for taking this photo, with the suggested caption: Who has the best hair? Helen, Emily or Jackson?

Photo: Tyler Wade

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The University of Louisiana Monroe team poses for a photo before Blackett leaves. He has studying to do.

Photo: Tyler Wade

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Preuett is excited for the upcoming Classic, and the dream will become even more real later this week when Toyota and Carhartt present him with the boat and truck he gets to use for the next year.

Photo: Hank Weldon