Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its annual Equipment Operators Roadeo for District 1 at the district office in Tupelo on Thursday, April 6.
“Safety and efficiency are our top priorities,” said Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District. “These roadeos give MDOT frontline workers an opportunity to improve and enhance the techniques and skills they use on the job.”
Focusing on efficiency and skill, MDOT’s roadeos provide employees with an opportunity to display their mastery of vehicle handling, trailer maneuvering and heavy equipment precision. The event and judging criteria provide feedback and help operators evaluate their strengths and challenges. Operators improve techniques and learn new skills while engaging in some friendly competition.
District 1 event winners are as follows:
- Lowboy: First Place – Keith Donahue; Second Place – Jarrett Watson; Third Place – Steve Waldon.
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Jared Wilhite; Second Place – Jacob Glissen; Third Place – Jamie Franks.
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Stevie Allen; Second Place – Michael Pannell; Third Place – Roger Brown.
- Backhoe: First Place – Randy Chrestman; Second Place – Matthew Prestage; Third Place – Simpson Wofford.
- Motor Grader: First Place – Simpson Wofford; Second Place – Matthew Prestage; Third Place – Lance Jones.
- Bushhog: First Place – Joseph Kelly; Second Place – Charlie Naron; Third Place – Matt Barkley.
The top two winners from each event advance to the state finals. At the state competition, winners from all six districts will compete and a state champion will be crowned.
