Both Imperial FFA teams make cut for nationals

    Two Imperial FFA teams that were state champions are now headed to nationals this fall after advancing from first rounds of competition.
    Due to COVID-19 this year and last, nationals has not been the same for FFA members. This year, however, at least some FFA members will get to attend the convention in-person, unlike last year.
    Both Imperial’s senior parliamentary procedure and marketing plan teams placed high enough in virtual rounds in the last couple of weeks to advance and compete at nationals in Indianapolis Oct. 27-30.
    Ag instructor and former FFA co-advisor Jeremy Vlasin coaches both teams.
    He said virtual rounds were held early to cut down on the teams and people at nationals, due to COVID.
    “We’re just crossing our fingers from here on out that nothing happens” now to prevent them from going on to nationals, he said.
    “We try not to dwell on that; it’s beyond our control. The kids are happy and  relieved,” he said.
    Members of the PP team are Carter Leibbrandt, Kade Anderson, Elizabeth Reeves, Madelynn Hanes, Colin O’Neil and Morel Jurado.
    To get to nationals, PP teams had to be in the top 12 after the virtual first rounds. They’ll compete the morning of Oct. 28 at nationals, with four teams advancing to the finals later that day.
    One positive for the PP team is  they won’t have to worry in the next couple months about every aspect of the parli pro contest because they already finished the general exam, minutes practicum and the citations quiz.
    So, with those parts done, Vlasin said only the demonstration, oral questions and team problem-solving activity are left for nationals.
    Vlasin said that will take some pressure off not having to prepare for everything.
    Those on Imperial’s marketing plan team are Nickolas Rau, Kambree Meeske and Morayah Cupp.
    After virtual rounds, the Imperial team made the top 18 to advance. They’ll also compete Oct. 28 in the semi-finals, with the top four going on to the finals the next day, Vlasin said.
    The team’s plan centers on Wine Glass Ranch of Imperial and promoting grass-fed, GAP-certified boxed beef as a sideline to the business.
    In the marketing plan contest, the team will do its presentation, answer questions and individual team members will be asked to explain a general marketing term on site in Indianapolis.