Eric Roussel, representing Roussel Masonry, Dubuque, IA, was the grand prize winner of the inaugural JLG sponsored Telehandler Skills Challenge held in Las Vegas during the World of Concrete Show on Jan. 17 and 19.

Roussel used a SkyTrak Model 6042 telehandler for his winning run.

The contest was held among licensed telehandler operators on a simulated worksite.

Participants from 17 states and Canada had their choice of a JLG, Gradall, Lull or SkyTrak telehandler to use in the contest.

The first day of the contest consisted of preliminary rounds and the second day presented the finals, which consisted of the eight first-day finalists completing two circuits of the course.

Judging for the finals was based on the best of the two runs.

Second place was awarded to Len Mackowiak from Midwest Masonry, Alsip, IL, who used a Lull Model 644E-42 telehandler.

Third went to Darin Mason from Knowlton & Sons Masonry in Clifford, PA, using a Gradall Model G6-42P telehandler.

Along with the winners, the other finalists on the second day were: Mike Bortz (Bortz Masonry, Portage, WI), Jeff Curlee (Curlee Masonry Inc., Concord, NC), Rich Seymour (Knowlton Construction, Montrose, PA), Pete Talboys (MSC Construction Inc., Willard, MO), and Jaysen Walther (Kotze Construction, Green Bay, WI).

For his first place effort, Roussel won two tickets to the 2006 NCAA Men’s Final Four basketball championship in Indianapolis including two nights accommodations, an Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience which includes laps at 180 mph in a stretch Indy Car, a $1,000 American Express gift card and a trophy.

Runner up Mackowiak won a $1,000 gift card and a trophy.

Third place finisher Mason won a $500 gift card and a trophy.

All three also received a JLG leather jacket.

Fourth through eight place finalists won a $100 American Express gift card.

All entrants received a 1:32 scale model of the telehandler they operated, JLG Telehandler Skills Challenge Polo-Shirts, commemorative photos and hard hats.

David Baxter, JLG director of marketing, said, “Our congratulations go to Eric Roussel and all the others that competed in ’The Challenge’. They definitely showed their skills in how a telehandler can be safely and effectively utilized on any type of masonry job where materials need to be delivered and placed. As the largest manufacturer of telehandlers, JLG is delighted to have sponsored this contest and to have the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the operators and our Gradall, Lull, SkyTrak and JLG brands of telehandlers. Our plan is to continue sponsoring this type of event to demonstrate how the best operators use our telehandlers to safely maximize productivity on the job site.”

Today's top stories

SEPTA Builds Major Transportation Center

National Equipment League — Heavy Equipment Operation as a Professional Sport — Launches Season Two

Washington Bridge in Providence, R.I., Undergoes Demolition

Construction Industry Optimistically Preparing for New Year Ahead

Capital Express Central Project Ramps Up in Texas

Nevada DOT Awards $54M Contract for U.S. 50 Renovation in Ely

Construction Set for $37M Wildlife Crossing in Wyoming

PCL Construction's Special Projects Division Sets 2024 Record With Nearly 270 New Projects