In January, Cat® Simulators invited students across North America to compete in the 2025 Cat Simulators Student Showdown. From March 3 to 28, students enrolled in heavy equipment operator (HEO) programs competed virtually on their school/college’s Advanced Construction Excavator, Advanced Dozer or Backhoe Loader Cat Simulators systems. We are excited to announce this year’s champions from Florida, Georgia and Tennessee!
Dozer Champion
Evan Randall
Jones County College & Career Academy
Gray, Georgia
Excavator Champion
Christopher Chadwick
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville, Tennessee
Backhoe Loader Champion
Idi Wiggins
Marion Correctional Institution
Ocala, Florida
How Were the Champions Determined?
Contestants completed three tasks on either the Cat Simulators Advanced Dozer, Advanced Construction Excavator or Backhoe Loader systems. The tasks ranged from backfilling with the backhoe loader to clearing debris with the excavator to building a slope with the dozer.
The Cat Simulators team created a final challenge for each model that required contestants to use their operating skills and creativity while having fun! The final tasks included: dozer contestants dozing “HEO,” excavator contestants digging “2025,” and backhoe loader contestants writing “HEO.”
2025 Cat Simulators Student Showdown Prizes
Each champion and their school/college received the following prize packages for a job well done.
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS ($1,000 value)
- Cat® Scale Model
- $500 Amazon Gift Card
- Cat Hi-Vis Sweatshirt
- Cat Waterproof 360° Speaker
- Cat Safety Glasses
- Cat Safety Work Gloves
- And more!
CHAMPIONS’ SCHOOL/COLLEGE ($7,000 value)
- 2-year SimScholars® Subscription or 2-year Extension (if already subscribed)
- 6-hour Virtual Training Session
- Cat Simulators Lighted Sign
- Printed Cat Simulators Safety Posters
- Prize Package for Classroom
