College's well-versed diesel ambassadors impress Motorama crowd

Among the exhibitors at this year's Motorama, making a triumphant return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg after a COVID-caused hiatus, was Penn College's Diesel Performance Club and its 1959 B Model Mack drag truck. "The club gets really excited about Motorama and being able to show the truck to future students and alumni," President Marcayla M. Lutzkanin said, adding that members gladly allow children to have their photos taken inside the vehicle. "Seeing the kids get all excited about being able to sit in the truck by far was my favorite part of the weekend. It is just an amazing feeling to make younger kids' dreams come true and hopefully encourage them to be involved in trades when they get older and in high school. We created a memory for them that they won't forget." Although the organization didn't bring home any trophies from the event earlier this semester, and members will continue to fine-tune their booth presentation, she said the club enjoys the public interaction and the recruitment potential that the popular venue provides.

– Photos by Lutzkanin (unless otherwise noted)

The president of the Diesel Performance Club (center) is surrounded by her fellow officers and members. From left are Thomas J. Solly, of Doylestown, club treasurer; Vice President James A. Brubaker, of Sinking Spring; Jake M. Spinosa, of Wood-Ridge, N.J.; Drew J. Page, of Coudersport; and Matthew J. Biehl, Silverdale. The students represent several disciplines taught at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center near Allenwood: diesel technology, as well as the technician and operator emphases of the heavy construction equipment technology major. (Photo by Ryan W. Peck, instructor of diesel equipment technology)

The truck, gleaming on the showroom floor, is ready to meet the public and dazzle tomorrow's Wildcat tomorrow makers.

Solly (left) and Spinosa work the display table, selling club apparel and other merchandise.

Solly (in foreground) and Brubaker clean the wheels and tires before the event.

Happily behind the wheel

An eventual follower in the photographer's footsteps, perhaps? This youngster could do far worse than to emulate Lutzkanin, simultaneously pursuing three degrees – at least two of them in fields once (mis)believed to be the sole province of men – and leading an active and successful student organization.

With student guidance, Welshans heads for the exit ...

Setting up the lowboy: From left, Solly is handed chains by Biehl, and Spinosa takes chains from an upper compartment. At ground level are Seth J. Welshans, laboratory assistant for diesel equipment technology, and Brubaker (to his right).

His aim is true! Welshans backs the drag truck up onto the lowboy.

Making diligent work of the "strapping-down" process are Welshans, on the ground tightening the chains; and Brubaker, on the front of the truck, covering the turbos. Spinosa puts on one of the stack covers at left, while Page (center) helps Solly put on the other one.

Penn College makes its presence known on the trip home from Motorama. (Photo by Spinosa)

... and on the road back to campus. (Photo by Spinosa)

Spinosa lets the truck idle after its safe return to the ESC.