There will be a Big Bass Classic in 2019.

Mark this date on the calendar — Feb. 23 — because it’s very important. I anticipate a full parking lot and a large turnout that Saturday for the annual event at Lake Dauterive-Fausse Pointe out of Marsh Field Boat Landing near Loreauville. 

Why? There is a special person back in charge of getting everything ready for the tournament with a format unique to this region.

Tee Roy Savoy of Coteau Holmes has been in the position before. The personable outdoorsman took on the role as director of the highly popular fundraising tournament after the death of BBC founder Elvis “Top Rod” Jeanminette of Grand Maraist, who died suddenly in January 2015. 

Savoy, an unselfish and dedicated volunteer, had successful BBCs in 2015 and 2016. But his life took on a new direction  and purpose when his wife, Jaqueline “Jackie” Chataignier Savoy, was diagnosed with cancer in December 2016.

The director’s baton was passed to someone else who stepped up, Don Naquin of New Iberia,for the BBC in February 2017. Naquin, who had been associated with the tournament for years helping his good friend, Jeanminette, proved to be a capable and engaging interim director despite the fact he took over just 2 ½ months before the event.

The local angler, who specializes in catching speckled trout, did such a good job that I’m sure he brought a smile to the face of Jeaneminette.

Last February, Neil Carret of Carencro came on in relief of Naquin, who stepped back and let the energetic, long-time volunteer work his magic and stage the event once again in Iberia Parish. Forty-seven boats entered that Big Bass Classic, which has an admission fee of $100 per boat with hourly payouts of $250, $150 and $100 for eight hours before the tournament ends at 3 p.m.

That Savoy is back at the helm isn’t surprising. He is, however, hopeful that he gets support from other caring outdoorsmen in the Teche Area. He’ll need it. His wife is battling still.

Jackie has had prolonged chemotherapy treatments and approximately 10 surgeries since that awful December three years ago. There are screws fastening together places in her spine.

“It’s crazy. She’s a fighter. She always says, ‘Oh, it could be worse,’ ” Savoy said Saturday afternoon.

After suffering another setback late last year, Jackie is going back to Houston on Jan. 22. Some more critical decisions will be made.

Nevertheless, her husband is all in for the next Big Bass Classic. He talked about it at length.

“We’re trying. I mean, you know, what I’m going to do is get as many people to help” as possible, Savoy said.

“I guess the biggest things is can we get enough people to go out and get sponsors,” he said.

I’m sure men and women in this area will respond. We always do.

For example, according to Savoy, Scooter Segura, a young man from New Iberia in his 20s, called out of the blue recently and said he wanted to help again. A few years ago he helped considerably.

Last year, Segura dealt with a personal tragedy, Savoy said, but has resolved to get back with the program and do everything in his power to support a fundraiser that, among other groups, benefits first and foremost the Lydia Cancer Association.

You know, people like that, who come through in the clutch, continue to be an inspiration to others. I’m confident we’ll have yet another great BBC.

 

DON SHOOPMAN is outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.