SEQUIM — Five Sequim High School Future Farmers of America students who restored a 1954 McCormick Farmall Super C propane tractor competed against 11 other teams as national finalists in the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition last week.
The Sequim FFA team of Carson Lewis, Skyler Lewis, Megan Bekkevar, Drake Binswanger and Karl Behrens did not place in the competition.
They restored a rusting tractor donated by Sequim residents Cy and Ella Frick, who own Frick’s Healthcare, Medical Equipment and Photo in Sequim.
Before it was restored, the once-decrepit tractor with flat tires sat out in front of the high school on North Sequim Avenue, part of another FFA landscape project near the agriculture building and greenhouse.
Chevron Lubricants, maker of the Delo brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, crowned Ryan Haass of the Devine FFA champion of the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition for his restoration of a 1969 Case 530.
Champ from Texas
Haass received a $5,000 prize.
The Devine, Texas, contestant was one of 12 finalists invited to Indianapolis to participate in this year’s competition.
The national event, which delivers the most coveted title in teen tractor restoration, took place during the 84th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this week.
Eufaula FFA of Eufaula, Ala., was voted reserve champion for its restoration of a 1968 Massey Ferguson and received a prize of $3,000.
Third place was awarded to Gonzales FFA of Gonzales, Texas, for its restoration of a 1948 IH Farmall M, receiving $1,500.
All remaining finalists, including Sequim FFA, received $250.