Scott was instrumental in the design and construction of the obstacles in this course.
He also recruited several other volunteers to assist with construction, and manning the obstacles during the event.

Being a Veteran, you can see that influence on Scott's designs of the obstacles, along with the avenue of US flags.
Mud Run 2015

Artwork By Scott Eickman Of Manning
Manning Monitor article September 10, 2020
Scott Eickman of Manning had to go through his photos to figure out when he started this project and surprisingly it was back in 2014. Obviously he hasn't been working on it every single day but it's been an hour here, a half a day there, with a couple months break in between, he told the Monitor. "The plan initially was to have a sculpture of an eagle on a log holding a fish but at some point I decided to switch and pay more of a tribute."

Everything except the pole, mounting plates, and the flag is from miscellaneous parts from the farm and dumpster diving. He thanks Irlbeck Welding for making the flag along with getting the parts and advice that he needed. The feathers on the backside of the eagle are from farm disc blades and cultivator sweeps as well as augers from a combine. The bottom of the Eagle was roller chain from combines and other miscellaneous chain. The beak is a sickle guard. Eyes are nuts and washers. Internally the frame of the eagle was made from hog paneling. The support arms are made of disc and auger tubing. The hands are chunks of steel rods.

"I've always been fond of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, considering my Marine Corps background. This was supposed to depict that along with the eagle, a symbol of our nation and freedom, helping lift the flag. I continue to use the phrase, "'For the blood of the fallen, I will carry on."' Meaning for all of our Brothers' and Sisters' sacrifices I will continue the push to a better world not forgetting them but honoring them continually.

Scott is in the process of making another sculpture. That one is a going to be a full size soldier in combat. "At least that's my current idea," Scott stated. "I can't confirm a deadline for that finish date but maybe I'll be more motivated now that this one is in the public."

The city is going to borrow the sculpture from Scott and place it down in Trestle Park. They would like to keep it there permanently to add to their collection and are asking for donations to make that happen. If you're interested in helping out, please contact Dawn at city hall for more information. Scott is very grateful for all of the kind words everyone has expressed to him regarding the sculpture.

The underside was made out of roller chain.
The beak out of a guard from a sickle mower.

Looking east along 141

Hands of humankind holding the perch to display greatness and strength.