Local truckers drive to victory at rodeo

By Lethbridge Herald on June 17, 2023.

Justin Sibbet
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

They are humbly seen every day on the roads as they keep the world moving, but sometimes a little bit of showmanship is required to declare the best truckers of them all.

The Alberta Motor Transport Association held its annual truck rodeo just south of Edmonton on June 10.

Dozens of drivers from multiple companies took part in the competition that saw four classes of trucks battle for the top honours.

Lethbridge Truck Terminals won the overall team prize, while three members of the four-man team reached the podium.

Lawrence Red Crow and Aaron Schaaf won gold in the two tandem-tandem categories, while Rob Potvin placed third in the straight truck class and Lee Friesen finished fourth in the trains category.

Red Crow, who was in the tandem-tandem bunk category, says the win was sweet even though he was just happy to participate.

“This year it just happened to be my year,” said Red Crow. 

He says his 18 years with LTT helped prepare him for the event and his eventual victory, but simply knowing where he stands within the trucking community is a reward in and of itself.

“It was a really well-accomplished feeling of dedication and hard work,” said Red Crow. “… to be rewarded with knowing that you’re up there in the driving community amongst your peers.”

Even so, he says the fact that drivers are sometimes placed in a make and model in which they have never worked in before can be daunting.

“It’s a little different, it’s a little nerve-wracking and your mirrors are set up different,” said Red Crow.

He says he was nervous primarily in the build up of the event, but once he got used to the truck, it was all systems go.

“Other than that, you just get in there and compete,” said Red Crow.

While Red Crow accomplished a significant objective, his colleague was declared the “Ann Taylor Grand Champion.”

Schaaf has been in the trucking industry for decades, but the most recent one has been primarily spent behind a desk rather than a wheel.

However, he was still able to compete in the tandem-tandem day cab class, beating out all competition and eventually taking the award for best overall score.

“It was a complete shock,” said Schaaf. “I didn’t think I performed at that level to earn that.”

Schaaf says his teammates should be commemorated for their incredible performances, rather than focusing on him.

“I’m just ecstatic that Lawrence (Red Crow) scored like he did and he had a great drive and looked good,” said Schaaf. “Rob’s (Potvin) first rodeo and he placed third, which is awesome and (Lee Friesen) placed fourth in his division.”

Schaaf is no stranger to winning this event, having won over twenty years ago in his first rodeo.

However, he says he jumped on the opportunity to compete once again, this time for the fourth rodeo of his career.

“If nothing else, it’ll be a good team building activity for us,” said Schaaf. “Get together, work as a team.” 

His modest approach to victory was downplayed by the President of LTT, Doug Paisley, who says he picked his team based on their years of skill and hard work.

“It’s quite a criterion to be considered and nominated to go to the event,” said Paisley. “You have to meet certain standards, which these guys all met.”

He says the event is a great time for companies and drivers to show off in front of their friendly competition.

“You go and put your money where your mouth is,” said Paisley. “You get in the truck and show what you can do.”

Paisley says the results speak for itself and he is happy all four drivers were able to receive the well-earned recognition they deserve.

“It’s a testament to their ability and their skills and it just makes me proud as an owner that these guys represent LTT Logistics,” said Paisley.

However, he says the event does create a sense of belonging for all members of the truck driving community.

“It’s great camaraderie for the industry, it’s good for the guys to meet each other.” said Paisley.

The event is held annually in various locations across the province, though this was the first year of operation since the COVID pandemic forced them to cancel the previous three events.

LTT was the only Lethbridge-headquartered business involved in the event, taking home five of the seven possible awards.