Published: June 19, 2009 10:05 am      

Decker boys dominate Ag Mechanics contest

Galen Scott

gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com

Bandy Decker, 15, stood straight up, hands clasped behind his back as judges and onlookers shuffled past the projects on display during Wednesday’s ag mechanics competition at the Parker County Youth Livestock Show.

Bandy’s project, a king-size bed crafted from planks of southern yellow pine, occupied a prominent space in the dusty arena.

Bandy’s 11-year-old brother, Rowdy, escorted a meticulously crafted desk, the envy of any Texas banker, rancher or oil man.

Competition between the two brothers was fierce, but at the end of the day, Bandy earned Reserve Champion honors and Rowdy took home the Grand Champion prize.

Other teenaged members of county 4-H clubs and FFA organizations showed off an oxygen/acetylene torch dolly, see-through wood stove, headache rack, porch swing, hog traps, a brush guard and a bucking bull barrel; all made by the students themselves.

Projects were classified into three categories: Recreational and creative, ag machinery and livestock/wildlife equipment, explained Brent Wicker, the ag science teacher for Peaster ISD and this year’s contest superintendent.

Wicker said the number of ag mechanics entries seems to be going down; out of 27 entries this year, only 16 students showed up with completed projects. However, the quality of what is submitted is getting better, he said.

Bandy spent about 110 hours working on his bed, which is quite a chunk of time for a 15-year-old kid who pitches for the Brock baseball team.

His attention to detail is evidenced by trim and accents. Color-coordinated cow hide patches, coarse-braided rope trim and brass studs combine with the perfect mix of red hickory and brown stain.

Bandy was compelled to keep his special method of distressing the wood, which produces a “unique, old western look,” a secret.

Wicker said some of his students are already contemplating careers as skilled laborers; two are planning to attend welding schools in Oklahoma and Missouri.

“It’s something our society is finally starting to figure out,” he said. “They want everyone to go to college and now we’ve got too many chiefs and not enough Indians. We have to have some skilled labor out there.”

Even if a student decides not to use newly-acquired mechanical skills professionally, it will be something that comes in handy for the rest of their life, Wicker said. It could become a hobby, or a way for a father to bond with his sons.

Bandy credits his dad, Jerry Decker, for teaching him everything he knows about carpentry. Jerry, a framer for 25 years, started building furniture about 15 years ago, according to Bandy.

The Deckers have spent lots of time working in the shop together, but Mark Sullivan, the ag science teacher for Brock ISD, said he has checked to make sure the boys didn’t get more than advice from Jerry.

“They do them all by their selves,” Sullivan said. “These two kids just pour their hearts into this stuff.”

While waiting for the results of Wednesday’s competition, Bandy said he was trying to decide whether or not he is experienced enough to build a pool table for next year’s competition.

“I figure I could do it,” he said. “I’ve got another year to practice.”