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For Immediate Release
October 16, 2008
Zanesville, Ohio, market site of 3rd quarterfinal competition, Nov. 18, for LMA’s 2009 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship
ZANESVILLE, OHIO – Muskingum Livestock Auction Co. on Nov. 18 will host 31 contestants who hope their next contest is the 2009 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC).
The Ohio market is the site of the third quarterfinal qualifying competition for the 2009 WLAC. Three titlists are named at each of the four contests, and the eight top scorers at each qualify for next year’s WLAC, to be held June 13 at Fergus Falls Livestock Auction Market, Fergus Falls, Minn.
The annual WLAC, now in its 46th year, was created and is conducted by Livestock Marketing Association, the national trade association for progressive businesses like Muskingum Livestock.
The contest is an actual livestock sale, and Dennis Ruff, the market’s general manager, said he expects 700-800 head of “top quality feeder cattle, and about 50 good bred cows. We’re looking forward to these very talented auctioneers helping us market these cattle.”
Sale time is 10 a.m.
This is the third year LMA has used the four-contest format to qualify contestants for the June WLAC. The new format, LMA President Bobby Smith said, “allows more auctioneers to enter the contest, and it also highlights the outstanding job markets all over the country do to promote a competitive livestock economy.”
The first 2009 WLAC qualifying contest was Sept. 9 in Miles City, Mont. The other two are Oct. 29 in Texhoma, Okla., and Dec. 2 in Kingsville, Mo.
Contestants must be at least 18 years old, and employed and sponsored by a livestock market. The master of ceremonies at each quarterfinal, and the June, 2009 WLAC, is Matt Lowery, Burwell, Neb. The reigning world champion, Lowery won the top title last June in Worthing, S.D.
Contest judges are market owners/operators and professional livestock dealers. Contestants are judged on their vocal clarity and quality, talent at keeping the sale moving, personal expression and bid-catching ability.
Judges also ask the question, “Would I hire this auctioneer?”
The Muskingum contestants, followed by their hometowns, are Chris Arnaman, Cameron, Mo.; Mike Brown, Bethel, Ohio; Jeff Bynum, Southside, Ala.; Darren T. Carter, Ninety Six, S.C.; Tye Casey, Plymouth, Ind.; Glenn Cruze, Knoxville, Tenn.;
Eli Detweiler, Jr., Ruffin, N.C.; Will Epperly, Moneta, Va.; John Grover, Hillsboro, Ohio; Marvin Keck, New Tazewell, Tenn.; John Kline, Millersburg, Ohio; Kent Korte, Metropolis, Ill.;
Daniel Lanier, Hurt, Va.; Jason Lekin, Toledo, Iowa; Brian Little, Wann, Okla.; Rod Loomis, Hermitage, Pa.; Joey Martin, Williamston, S.C.; Andrew McDowell, Vandalia, Ill.; Billy Morgan, Ronceverte, W. Va.;
Brandon Neely, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; Rodney A. Paisley, Adamsville, Ohio; Christopher Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.; Patrick Prather, Richmond, Ky.; Roger D. Robinson, Orleans, Ind.; Jay Romine, Mt. Washington, Ky.;
Joshua David (JD) Shelton, Gonzales, Texas; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Gary Vance, Strasburg, Va.; Eddie Wagoner, Independence, Va.; Wesley Ware, Charles Town, W. Va.; Al Wessel, Long Prairie, Minn.
The champion in each WLAC quarterfinal will receive a cash award and a custom-made belt buckle. The reserve and runner-up world champion in each contest will also receive custom belt buckles.
The three titlists in the June WLAC – world champion, reserve and runner-up world champion – will receive thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
The Muskingum market is located at 944 Malinda Street in Zanesville.
The contest will also be broadcast live on the Internet, at www.lmaauctions.com.
