Page 54 - ATR 4 2015 web

THE laST word

catching the spirit

By Butch rice operations from there. Then, the crowd evident that night, but more impor-
Guest Writer stilled when the National Anthem tantly, there was a spirit of love and
played and a truck sporting American pride for the profession of trucking.
When I woke flags on each side was driven by last The salads were eaten, the volunteers
up Saturday morn- year’s champion. The patriotism and were thanked, and then the names
ing, June 13 in pride in the moment sent goose bumps were called. Names of winners. And
Rogers, Ark., I up my arms. champions. And truly professional truck
didn’t know what Cheers started from the tents drivers.
to expect. For the when the first truck was introduced to This weekend was very special to
first time, I was the crowd. All day, as each competitor me as I saw everyone supporting each
at the John Q. demonstrated the 3-point entry into other. As I walked around that Saturday,
Hammons Center the cabs and maneuvered the trucks the smiles, the joy and just good old
for the Arkansas through a course with simulated train down home sitting on the porch con-
Trucking Championships. Some six tracks and roadkill, the cheers kept versation taking place is why I can say I
hundred in attendance, including driv- coming. Even when the sky darkened am a trucker and be proud of it! None
ers, volunteers and supporters from all and the rain started, the drivers had of this could have happened without
over the state showed up for an exciting fans watching, whistling, whooping for our sponsors and all of the wonderful
weekend of competition. their work that might go unappreciated volunteers. Once again, the ATA staff
As I walked around that morning, any other day. did a phenomenal job making this our
I felt like I was at a Razorback football And yet the anticipation and over- premier event of the year.
game. Decorated tents lined the perim- whelming support felt all day paled in All 600 people in that room had
eter of the course where fans from each comparison to the awards ceremony. the spirit that makes me proud of this
company’s driving team had set up When I entered the ball room that industry. As chairman of the board
banners, signs, pom-poms and all the evening, I was taken back by all of the of directors of the Arkansas Trucking
evidence of team spirit. The drivers were tables dressed in white cloths, finished Association, I want to foster that spirit
dressed in their company colors, while with centerpieces. The stage was as in our membership. I want to see more
anticipation ran through them as they spectacular as the Academy Awards. companies celebrating the men and
walked the course for the first and last Once the doors were opened and the women who do the hard job and do it
time before they competed. drivers and their families were arriving, professionally and safely.
The volunteer judges had taken I looked around and realized just how This year, when I see you in a meet-
their places throughout the course and important this evening was to them. ing, at a conference, or aisle 7 of the
were going over final instructions. The This was their night, all dressed for the grocery store, I’ll still be talking about
company tents began filling up with occasion, smiles on every face. We all my experience at the trucking champi-
driver wives, employees and kids. knew a winner—a grand champion—was onship, but next year, I want you there
The ATA staff had set up a tent in that room. cheering with me. ATR
much like a control center and ran the There was a spirit of competition

Opinions expressed on this page may not reflect official policies or opinions of the
Arkansas Trucking Association or the American Trucking Associations.

54 arkansas Trucking repOrT | issue 4 2015