Jeske, Labes share 2015 derby title

When the dust settled in Lind Lions Club Arena on Saturday night, Brian Jeske and Eric Labes stood victoriously on their combines as the 2015 Lind Combine Demolition Derby champions.

After three other combines had been knocked out of the finals, Jeske, Labes and Devin Hamiliton were left battling for the championship. Judges determined that Jeske and Labes will share the title of first and second place. Jeske, winning top spot in his heat, won a total of $1,650 for the event and Labes, also winning his heat, took home $1,850. Hamilton, driving the Red Solo Cup combine took third place winning $800.

Prior to the start of the event, Jeske announced his retirement from the contest and said the 2015 event would be his final event as a driver. The win ends his extensive career as a competitor and driver of the Hillbilly Deluxe at the Lind Combine Demolition Derby.

Long time derby judge Jed Bauermeister was honored with an emotional dedication read by announcer Adam Lamberd. The 2015 derby was dedicated to the late Bauermeister who participated in all but two of the 28 annual derbies.

A tribute dedicated to Bauermeister from the Lind Lions Club and combine derby committee, shared the history of the derby with attendees and honored Bauermeister in making the combine derby an annual event.

Beginning in 1988 as an intermission during the Lind Rodeo, Bauermeister became one of the first judges of the event and created the first set of rules, which has grown into a substantial rulebook that has been revised and revamped often.

All drivers respected Bauermeister, with their safety as one of his biggest concerns. He took his job seriously, and on a personal level he has a wonderful report with everyone including committee members and the crowd. “Knowing Jed enriched all of us, each in a different way, and we will never forget the impact he made in all our lives. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.”

Eight combines entered the competition this year, battling first in a heat match, before returning to the consolation and winners bracket at the end of the day. Pickup and grain truck races provided endless entertainment during intermission.

In heat one, Palmer Phillips, Jim Oswald, Hamilton and Labes battled for the chance to compete in the finals. Phillips and Labes, who tied for first at last year’s derby, both earned the top spots in their heat.

In heat number two, Brandon Knodel, Jeske, Ryan Kulm and Alex Lyle battled, with Jeske and Lyle coming out on top.

The Best Decorated Combine went to Devin Hamilton of Prosser with his Red Solo Cup combine. The first place prize was $300 adding to Hamiltons winnings for a total $1,100 overall. Second place for the best decorated went to Labes in the Beaver Commander and Jim Oswald of Spokane took third with Prison Break.