[Al Skierkiewicz]

Caterpillar (Peoria, IL) revealed a plan last night to start two FRC teams and 10 FLL teams for the 2005-2006 season. At a dinner with FIRST founder, Dean Kamen, Caterpillar executives entusiastically announced the plans to begin involvement with Peoria area high schools and middle schools. Caterpillar also plans to jump start the program in central Illinois by bringing other industrial sponsors on board with the FRC and FLL programs, in coming years. Please join me in welcoming Caterpillar to the growing list of FRC sponsors.
At the dinner, guest speaker Dean, was presented with a prototype "free piston" engine developed by Caterpillar engines division.