MYERS Pedal Tractor Pulls, LLC

 Lenox Time Table:

Lenox Girl finishes 3^rd at International Pedal Pull

Some of the same things that made the National fall in Kayla Myers favor worked against her at the International Saturday July 11^th. A first time on site observer had noted on our arrival that it seemed you hardly ever see the National Champion win the International. As we noted it does happen, but the main reason is the National Champion has to go first allowing the rest of the field to know the distance and it should be remembered that the rest of the field is the top 5 of the US and as many of the top 5 of Canada as can make it down. He noted correctly your reward for the greatest title in pedal pulling is to get to be the target at this early season extravaganza.

So it came time for the 2008 10 year old girls’ competition. It is amazing how the girls grow in 8 months. Kayla led off with 340 pounds on the loose carpet of the International. She had a very good run of 35’8” on the 40’ track. She knew it wasn’t enough to hold on as soon as she stepped off. Miranda Painter of Montrose SD, 2 time International Champion, jumped on and exploded to a pull of 39’2”. At the pull they know her as the Queen of the International, since she has not been able to grab a National Title, yet wins the International. Next up was last years 3^rd place US girl, Jeanette Wooldridge of Illinois and she went 32’3”, then 4^th place US finisher Jasmyn Irvin of Kansas, a past National Champion, who went 31’4”, and then the 5^th place US puller Jadyn Esteves of Minnesota pulled the real upset in jumping to 36’4”. The Canadian girl in this group Reagan Giasson of Manitoba pulled 16’9”. So Miranda was first and Kayla finished third in their personal battle between friends. There is a chance they may meet 3 more times this year, yet the most important is they want to be in the final run at Nationals on September 26^th.

For the moment (until September 26th) Kayla is the National Champion and one of the top three in the World as we currently define it. Now like every other child in the country she must prepare to qualify for a state or states, from there qualify for National and try to qualify again for the International. She understands that there are no free rides and she certainly can get stopped anywhere along the path. On the other hand she also knows the path is the true success story. It is the effort to get to a destination that tells our true character, not the destination at the end. Kayla sets her sights on competing with her friend knowing that will put her into position to compete on a level with the best. Kayla Myers is the Daughter of Ken and Willo Myers and was cheered on by her sister Kendra. For more information on pedal pulls and pulls in this area visit http://www.myerspedaltractorpulls.net/

Group Pictures Early in Event:

The 10 year old placers of 2008 finally compete. Kayla as National Champion must go first, which is what makes it hard to hold both titles. The best in the world knowing the distance will get you unless you full pull.

 Some of the unusual parts with the International is the carpet is not stretched. This is not a problem, but it is basically something we only see at Iowa State and International in this area.

 Near the end of a run just short of 36 feet. Notice the rocking always keeping one part of her rear end on the seat at all times. Kayla is very serious and she had worked on making sure she was down on the seat.

 The two time defending International Champion starts her run. Miranda Painter looked like she was there for business. Her experience in the environment was obvious as she exploded for a 39 foot run.

 Miranda rears up to push past Kayla and on to her third consecutive title. Miranda truely owns the International after four straight trips. A little later using similar style to Miranda, Jadyn Esteves slipped just over 36 feet to take second.

 The top Six from left to right. Miranda Painter, Montrose SD; Jadyn Esteves, Minnesota; Kayla Myers, Lenox IA; Jeanette Wooldridge, Illinois; Jasmyn Irvin, Kansas; and Regan Giasson, Manitoba.

 It will always be a marvel that 5 years ago in little Canistota SD these two met for the first time and both just getting started at pulling. Once again they prove they are amoung the very best in the world. Friends and heart and soul competitors. They happy for each other, yet the expectation to be first does sting for a bit when it doesn't work out.

 Another friend over the last couple of years has been Jordan Hansen of Lincoln NE. He was able to retire with one last International Title. We think it is important to point out he was successful in spite of Asthma. Our girls will be facing the withdrawls from pulling over the next couple of years.

For those wondering who won the pedal tractor it was this young lady's Grand Mother.

 We also want to give a quick shout out to other friends Kendra did not catch on film. Gage Emmendorfer, Savannah MO (2nd place 4 year old) and Bryce Mistler, Owensville MO (4th place 8 year old), Sierra Becker, Northeast Kansas (2nd place 9 year old) and to so many others we are getting to know.

 I found this picture of Miranda's first International Title. She was third in the National and raced by the those two to grab the title

For full results visit  www.international.hawkeyepedalpull.com

Many thanks to Hawkeye Pedal Pull and, of course, Jeff and Traci in particular. It is a big job pulling this all together. This is no small pull with kids from across the nation invited.

For the moment (until September 26th) Kayla is the National Champion and one of the top three in the World as we currently define it. Now like every other child in the country she must prepare to qualify for a state or states, from there qualify for National and try to qualify again for the International. She understands that there are no free rides and she certainly can get stopped anywhere along the path. On the other hand she also knows the path is the true success story. It is the effort to to get to a destination that tells our true character, not the destination at the end. she sets her sights on competing with her friend knowing that will put her in the position to compete on a level with the best.