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Nebraska teen wins International Junior Auctioneer Championship

Chris Longly
National Auctioneers Assn.
Courtesy PhotoCurtis Wetovick of Fullerton, Neb., was crowned as this year's International Junior Auctioneer Championship Champion.

Growing up in the sale barns of central Nebraska, Curtis Wetovick of Fullerton, Neb., has always been mesmerized by the rhythmic, hypnotic cadence of an auctioneer’s chant. On July 15, 2011, Curtis showcased his own bid-calling skills before hundreds of auctioneers in Orlando, Fla., at the International Junior Auctioneer Championship (IJAC) competition and was crowned this year’s IJAC Champion.

Sponsored by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), the annual contest started in 2007 and allows young auctioneers, 12-18, to showcase their bid-calling talents and gain invaluable experience competing against other elite junior-level auctioneers. This year’s contest took place at the 62nd International Auctioneers Conference and Show in Orlando, Fla.

Raised on a cattle ranch in rural Nebraska, Wetovick understands the roles and responsibilities of an auctioneer. Auctioneers are entrusted to market and promote the livestock his family raises and sell for market value. Wetovick, 17, decided at an early age that he wanted to become an auctioneer and enrolled in auction school and attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. The Fullerton High School senior is Nebraska’s third IJAC champion. In 2007, Trev Moravec of David City, Neb., was the first IJAC champion, followed by Justin Schultis of Fairbury, Neb., who won the contest two years later.



“It’s an honor to win the contest as a first-time contestant, and I’m excited to continue the trend of young Nebraska auctioneers winning this contest.” said Wetovick.

As the IJAC champion, Curtis received a cash prize, championship trophy and complimentary registration into the adult division of the International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) when he meets the minimum age requirement of 19.



Curtis hopes to be a full-time auctioneer one day while continuing to be involved in ranching. Wetovick currently volunteers his talents to area auctioneers and his goal is to join one of the auction companies as an employee one day.

Curtis resides in Fullerton, Neb., with his parents, Rick and Marne Wetovick, and his five siblings.

Note: To watch a video of Curtis Wetovick compete in this year’s IJAC competition, check out the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctmUOZgGe8I.


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