Pick the Winner, Win $100

   Last week’s “bass strategy” quiz got the same responses one would expect from a Rosie O’Donnell personal ad with pictures--one and Cooprider made it. Let’s make this one country simple: a name, a reason, and a time.
    Who’s going to win the 2008 Total Outdoorsman Challenge Finals? And what will his overall score be? (Scoring per event is 1 to 16 points, for 7 events, so the lowest possible score is 7, the highest is 112. Remember, the competitor with the lowest score wins). For background on the competitors, check out the past bios--there are three more finalists to be featured yet, but they’ll all be up by the end of the week.
    We will take answers until 9:15 a.m. on September 12, which happens to be the start of the flyfishing competition and the start of the finals. Guess correctly and you’ll win a $100 Bass Pro Shops gift card (in the event of a tie, we’ll think of a fun tiebreaker). The winner will be announced after the event and I have recovered from a week in Dogwood. --John Davis, Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge competition manager

Comments

[RS]

I'm going to say it's all for Paul Thompson this year. He's very consistant and level headed. My hat is off to him! So, it's Paul getting my vote with a score of 17. Good luck Paul!

[Coop]

Hey John can we get into this game???

[John]

No, Coop, you can't...neither can Blue3 crew. Get your South Fla. fan club online to vote.

[Bobby Flevinger]

Why make it complicated- just let everyone guess what his (Paul Thompson)score will be?

[Cory]

I know we can't play, but let me just say that Paul isn't going to win this year!

[Ken Stuart]

Paul Thompson has blown everyone away for two years in a row, and I assume he's only gotten better this year. So I'm going to have to go with him again. I'm gonna guess he'll have a score of 21.

[Growler]

You ask 'who do I think is going to win this year?' Well, let me tell you, I don't just think that he's going to win, I KNOW he's going to win! Who am I talking about? Do you even have to ask? Paul Thompson of course!!!

[Smiddy]

Flevinger is right. We should just be guessing what Paul Thompson's score will be. I say Thompson wins with a score of 15.

[Cory]

Man guys! No offense to Paul, as he is a great competitor, but there are some awesome people going to be there. Of course if I was voting I would vote for myself, but I tell you I have heard that Coop is gunning for it pretty darn hard and he is a damn good competitor . Don't forget some of us new guys either. Kramer is also a threat. Just because he blew it away last year doesn't mean that Paul will take it this year. Hate to see you guys loose out on $100 from BPS! Just my Humble opinion.

[Roger]

Paul Thompson w/ 16 points. His skills are remarkable, but he's humble!

[Smiddy]

Cory:
How do you know Paul is not going to win? Did you inhale lots of helium balloons when you were a child? There is a reason he has won this thing twice. Don't be a Paul Thompson hater.

[Cory]

I am not a Paul Thompson hater, in fact, I have alot of respect for him. However, as a competitor myself, I see several other guys that have me more concerned that Paul does. If you carefully read some of the bios on these guys you will see that some of them also have some remarkable skills. This will not be an easy challenge by no means, especially with John making the course. Some people will shine in one or two events and I really think that Paul is up against some of us really tough competitors. What do you think Coop?

[Florida Fan of Paul Thompson]

Why, of course it will be Paul Thompson for the third year in a row! This Florida fan of Paul's predicts it will be another win for him with 20 points.

[Coop]

Man, don't drag me into the middle of the Paul Thompson fan club. That's a fight that your not gonna win Cory. I personally think it's gonna be a close competition with Coop going home with the money.

[Frank]

Winning once is a feat. Winning twice, back to back is a great feat. Winning three times straight? That would be an outstanding world class accomplishment. I’m sure Paul has what it takes to win, but then again, I’m betting that he has a lot of competition that has what it takes as well. Don’t label me a hater because I’m not. Think of me rather as someone who thinks a change is in the air. Mr. Thompson will finish in the top 3, just not as #1. My vote is for the young man from McHenry, thank you.

[Kelly]

Just a suggestion to Cory... if you want to compete with Paul and the rest of the TOC vets. maybe you should spend more time practicing and less time blogging

[Frank]

I can't seem to find a link to cast my official vote. If any one knows where to find it, I would appreciate any guidance.

[Cory]

Ouch Kelly!
I never came out and said I was going to beat Paul, just said that there are other competitors that are training pretty hard. Trust me I have been practicing.

Frank, you cast your vote here and then put what score you think that they are going to get. If you read the initial entry it explains the points process.

Trust me I'm not a Paul hater. I respect that man and every other competitor. That is why I made mention that there were other competitors besides him.
Looks like I took the ribbing away from Coop on this one. LOL.

[Smiddy]

Interesting how Thompson has not commented on this stuff. He probably is out there getting ready and practicing.

[Bobby Flevinger]

Guys don't get to caught up in this competition and loose sight of what it's about. I'm sure Thompson is a great outdoorsman, but so are all the other guys or they wouldn't be there. Thompson just happened to be better on those particular days. He probably can't call in an elk like the young marine can, or knows how to catch fish off shore like Peter Mosby. Having the title of the "Total Outdoorsman" probably makes him feel weird, b/c he knows that all the other guys are just like him, but just couldn't make it happen. I'm sure he has blown a few pie shots in the wild! Have fun and remember what brought you guys together cause thats what it is all about. The boy does have skills though.

[SP]

Not to take away from any of the other competitors, who I don't know. I do know Coop and it's been Practice, Practice and More Practice. With a score of 19 and a more focused individual the second time around, Coop gets my vote...
Have fun everyone!!!

[Jim]

Paul Thompson with a score of 19

[Frank]

Cory - 18 points

[Jean]

Sorry Frank, Paul Thompson is going to win with 18 points.

[Micah]

James Harrod is my pick with 18 points.