GCC students pull semi truck in fundraiser precursor

IRONWOOD - Gogebic Community College students and staff used a somewhat unconventional way to move one of the college's semi trucks Friday, pulling it with a rope, tug-of-war-style, in preparation for an upcoming fundraiser.

"The pull we did today was a test. We wanted to see No. 1 could it be done, and No. 2 how many people would it take to pull the semi 20 feet," Janie Williams, an administrative assistant for the college's allied health program, said. "Now that we know that, what we'll try to do is a fundraiser in the fall."

Along with the students and staff, State Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, joined in the effort before his meeting with one of the college's government classes.

Williams said she expects the fundraiser to feature teams, likely comprised of eight to 10 people, competing to see who can pull the 30,000-pound vehicle 20 feet the fastest.

She said she hopes to reach out to various community groups, such as the area fire departments and high school football teams, to enter along with members of the public.

"(We want to) try to bring a lot of people into it to just have a really fun day," Williams said, adding prizes would be given for the fastest teams.

According to Williams, the money raised from the upcoming fundraiser will be used to send two to four students on a service trip to Quiche, Guatemala, next March.

More information on the fundraiser is expected to be released as details are confirmed.