High School Championship: Day 1 launch

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Day 1 of the Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods gets underway as teams gather at the Paris Landing State Park to head out for the first day of competition.
Day 1 of the Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods gets underway as teams gather at the Paris Landing State Park to head out for the first day of competition.
There are 230 teams competing this week for a chance to be the High School National Champions.
There are 230 teams competing this week for a chance to be the High School National Champions.
There were signs lining the State Park giving some helpful guidance to keep the boat ramp from turning into a traffic jam.
There were signs lining the State Park giving some helpful guidance to keep the boat ramp from turning into a traffic jam.
Teams who already launched found a place to pull up and park.
Teams who already launched found a place to pull up and park.
This is a major key at boat ramps when it's dark. Headlights can hinder other drivers trying to back down a ramp.
This is a major key at boat ramps when it’s dark. Headlights can hinder other drivers trying to back down a ramp.
This team is ready to go for Day 1 of competition.
This team is ready to go for Day 1 of competition.
Teams launched and idled over to the takeoff dock when it was time.
Teams launched and idled over to the takeoff dock when it was time.
Lucas Lindsay and Logan Parks launch and are ready for a chance at the title. They've finished in the Top 10 in this event before.
Lucas Lindsay and Logan Parks launch and are ready for a chance at the title. They’ve finished in the Top 10 in this event before.
Boats go into Kentucky Lake...
Boats go into Kentucky Lake…
...and trailers come out soon after.
…and trailers come out soon after.
Justin Watts and Alex Heintze were the 2015 High School National Champions and look to do it again this week.
Justin Watts and Alex Heintze were the 2015 High School National Champions and look to do it again this week.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Britt Myers has the pleasure of taking his son and partner out on Kentucky Lake this week. Being a captain for your sons team is ultra rewarding.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Britt Myers has the pleasure of taking his son and partner out on Kentucky Lake this week. Being a captain for your sons team is ultra rewarding.
A brief sunrise peeked out before getting covered up in thick cloud cover.
A brief sunrise peeked out before getting covered up in thick cloud cover.
The first few teams in launch order gather at the dock.
The first few teams in launch order gather at the dock.
Just in time for a photo op with one of the parents.
Just in time for a photo op with one of the parents.
Parents and family support littered the takeoff dock.
Parents and family support littered the takeoff dock.
Teams rushed to finish preparations as there was just a few minutes left before blast off.
Teams rushed to finish preparations as there was just a few minutes left before blast off.
Time for the National Anthem
Time for the National Anthem
And the boats begin to head out in a single file line.
And the boats begin to head out in a single file line.
Takeoff started at 5:30 a.m. as teams hoped to get Day 1 underway. There is a possibility of heavy rain today and on Friday in this area.
Takeoff started at 5:30 a.m. as teams hoped to get Day 1 underway. There is a possibility of heavy rain today and on Friday in this area.
A Tennessee team takes off on their home waters.
A Tennessee team takes off on their home waters.
Teams from all across the country are participating including those from as far as California, Arizona, Washington and Idaho.
Teams from all across the country are participating including those from as far as California, Arizona, Washington and Idaho.
College angler Zeke Gossett always boat captains for his old high school team.
College angler Zeke Gossett always boat captains for his old high school team.
Roughly 230 of these floats were given out this morning.
Roughly 230 of these floats were given out this morning.
As Alan Pierce and other tournament officials gave directions to teams coming through the line.
As Alan Pierce and other tournament officials gave directions to teams coming through the line.
Meanwhile parents shot photos and video.
Meanwhile parents shot photos and video.
The anglers did as well like Tyler Lubbat who was shooting some video of takeoff.
The anglers did as well like Tyler Lubbat who was shooting some video of takeoff.
Tournament Director Hank Weldon calls each team out one at a time.
Tournament Director Hank Weldon calls each team out one at a time.
Carey Barrett elevates himself to get a birds eye view of launch.
Carey Barrett elevates himself to get a birds eye view of launch.
First check-in for teams is 1:30 p.m. and each flight checks in every 15 minutes after that.
First check-in for teams is 1:30 p.m. and each flight checks in every 15 minutes after that.
There are numerous ways to qualify for the High School Championship, one way is through the 3 BASS Opens that we host.
There are numerous ways to qualify for the High School Championship, one way is through the 3 BASS Opens that we host.
And also through your BASS Nation State events.
And also through your BASS Nation State events.
There are 230 teams vying to take home a trophy come Saturday afternoon.
There are 230 teams vying to take home a trophy come Saturday afternoon.