Stone Winners

Stone apprentices hit the Contest floor on September 21st, where they were required to install stone in a basic ashlar pattern squared with corners squared as well and cut to the dimensions specified. Each contestant created a stone mock-up on a block back-up wall, where they applied the ashlar pattern to the base, continued with a water table stone, and finished with a two-cut stone anchored into the upper portion of the wall.

For Local 8 Wisconsin member and first place winner Randal Leigh, masonry is “all in the family.” Both his grandfathers are masons and his uncle is a masonry contractor. Leigh began his career in the trade on a $20 million residential project where he “started playing with the stone.” After winning the Regional competition, Leigh realized that his wedding and the International Contest were scheduled for the same weekend. Thanks to a supportive fiancée and family, schedules were changed and he made it to the Contest. “I just want to thank everyone for supporting me and changing their plans so I could participate in this event,” said Leigh He would like to be a foreman some day, but “I don’t think I could top this year.”

“To make it this far takes a great deal of strength and dedication,” said Wisconsin Administrative District Council Director Jeffrey Leckwee. “I commend all the contestants for their efforts and congratulate Randal on his win.”

Second place winner and Local 1 Minnesota/North Dakota member Eric Brichacek was also introduced to the masonry trade by a family member – an uncle who is a fellow stone mason. He felt comfortable and confident after the Regional Contest and described the International Contest as “breathtaking and exciting.” Brichacek’s family was able to share in the excitement even before he got home. “The whole family was online and watching as it took place – even Grandma!” For now, he is satisfied “just working,” but would like to be involved with the Local or try his hand at being a foreman one day.

Local 1 Newfoundland member and third place winner Kenneth Coates started his career working with brick and block, but a stone castle project whetted his appetite to work with stone. Although he was nervous about the switch, Coates said it helped that he worked for a demanding masonry contractor who was “pretty particular.” That experience obviously paid off, and people are still congratulating him on his win. Back home in Canada when he shows other apprentices the Contest photos and talks to them about their futures, they tell him that “they look forward to getting to that point.”