One of the competing teams in this week's Toyota Bonus Bucks Team Championship is Jeff Coble and David Wright of North Carolina.
Both are pretty salty anglers. Each competed multiple times in the old Red Man All-American. Coble actually won two of those in back-to-back years just up the road from DeGray at Lake Hamilton. More on that in a moment.
Coble was also the first Bassmaster Weekend Series National Champion, actually winning that title twice, earning a berth into the Classic both times. Wright, who is lovingly called "Ranger Wright" fished in several of those national championships, but never quite put it together to walk into the winner's circle.
Together they often hand out tournament beatings in their home state.
Coble, though, is often remembered as the angler who got kicked out or banned from the All-American. That was when a lot of changes were going on in the sport and All-American competitors were highly encouraged, maybe even required, to wear sponsor hats from the organization.
Coble insisted on wearing his Duke University hat. The ensuing spat that took place created the hard feelings. Make no mistake, though, Coble and Wright are amazing anglers.
It should be noted, Coble wasn't wearing a hat this morning, opting instead for the warmth of a toboggan.
