Lawler bags state title in competition

Adam Lawler, Nevada High School senior, is headed to Las Vegas on a trip paid for by the Missouri Grocers Association to compete for cash and a chance to be on the David Letterman show. Adam competed at Tan-Tar-A Resort at Lake of the Ozarks Aug. 16, winning a competition that included baggers from all over Missouri. Adam will be representing Woods Supermarkets and the MGA in a National Bagging competition to be held February 2004. Lawler was selected to compete in the statewide competition after winning a company-wide competition among the seven Woods Supermarkets. In the company competition Lawler won $100 cash, a framed certificate and a Woods' shirt bearing the message "Best Bagger 2003". For the statewide competition Lawler took away a large trophy, a $750 check and airfare and hotel accommodation in Las Vegas for two to the National Grocers Association Convention in February 2004. In the two competitions Lawler won and in the upcoming National Competition contestants try to fill bags both quickly and in the best fashion. Judging is based on speed, distribution of the weight, proper technique, and the bagger's appearance and professionalism. Both paper and plastic bags are used, three plastic and two paper. Craig Easter, Woods general manager, commented that Lawler appeared calm, cool, collected, and well trained. "His speed was amazing. He sailed through the plastic, then really excelled at the paper," Easter said.