Gator Wars Champs & Runners Up

Mayville FFA Students Earn Top Honors in John Deere Gator Wars

Our FFA members competed in Wisconsin's first-ever John Deere Gator Wars at Ballweg Implement. Mayville brought two teams to compete, and our students earned the 1st runner-up and overall champion honors!

Students competed in five different hands-on real-world activities that tested their mechanical skills and problem-solving skills, along with teamwork. 

Students were tested in engine components and tool identification, engine operation theory, electrical systems and diagnostics, and off-road vehicles - drivetrain.

Students were also able to experience John Deere's Precision Ag Management Solutions and AutoTrac Systems.

Our students and staff would like to thank Mayville FFA Alum Randy Clark for volunteering his time to help coach our students in electrical engineering concepts and execution.

What is Gator Wars? Gator Wars is a partnership between FFA, John Deere Corporate, and John Deere Dealerships through a mechanics competition. It started in North Carolina about 10 years ago where a couple of gators were bugged, and students had to debug the gator and fix the issues. After a couple of years, this turned into a regional and state competition with added mechanical activities.

This competition allows students to build their mechanical skills by performing a variety of hands-on activities. This event is hosted locally at Ballweg Implement and allows students to network with technicians, dealership personnel, and John Deere employees. Students will also be able to experience a potential work environment within the field.

Purpose The purpose of the John Deere Gator Wars Event is to stimulate interest, encourage proficiency development, and recognize the excellence of students using mechanical skills.

(State) Champion Team (1st place): James Wondra, Cyrus Heesen, and Sam Krueger

(State) Runners Up (2nd Place): Trey Janzer, Paul Sawyer-Pratt, Evan Feucht, Kasten Zimmer