South Dakota truck drivers came together to test their skills at the annual state trucking championship. YRC Freight driver Wade Wagemann was named the grand champion. Wagemann also tied in the best pre-trip course category and won first place in the twin trailers class.
Lowell Wricks, a driver for Cliff Viessman Inc., was awarded the Rookie of the Year title. Wricks also won first place in the 5-axle category.
The competition was held May 19 in Sioux Falls. It was organized by the South Dakota Trucking Association.
The winners were:
Grand Champion: Wade Wagemann, YRC Freight
Best Course Score (Tied): Greg Keller, A&A Express; Everette Barr III, Fedex Freight
Best Pre-Trip Course (Tied): Marty Kraft, FedEx Freight; Wade Wagemann, YRC Freight
Best Written Score: Dan Norgaard, Old Dominion Freight Line
Rookie of the Year: Lowell Wricks, Cliff Viessman Inc.
Straight Truck: Dan Norgaard, Old Dominion Freight Line
3-Axle: Mike Whitehead, FedEx Freight
4-Axle: Jeff Eschen, K&J Trucking Inc.
5-Axle: Lowell Wricks, Cliff Viessman Inc.
Sleeper Berth: Craig Ellingson, K&J Trucking Inc.
Flatbed: Marty Kraft, FedEx Freight
Tank: Troy Swenson, FedEx Freight
Twin Trailers: Wade Wagemann, YRC Freight