Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its annual District Equipment Operators Roadeo for District 7 at the MDOT District 7 Headquarters in McComb on Thursday, March 3.
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 let operators evaluate their strengths and challenges. Operators improve techniques and learn new skills while engaging in some friendly competition.
“The focus is always on safety, here at MDOT,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “These roadeos are a chance for MDOT workers to improve and enhance the techniques and skills they use on the job every day. When they are working on our highways near traffic, this precision can help keep them and the traveling public safe.”
District 7 events and winners are as follows:
Lowboy: First Place – Allen L. Stewart; Second Place – Eric L. Grant; Third Place – Michael D. “Mike” Pritchett.
Single-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Allen L. Stewart; Second Place – Coly Smith; Third Place – Michael C. Jones.
Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Michael D. “Mike” Pritchett; Second Place – Donnell Hobbs; Third Place – Charles D. “Chuck” McDaniel.
Backhoe: First Place – Jake Burge; Second Place – Jamie Wallace; Third Place – John H. Adcox.
Motor Grader: First Place – Octavius Saul; Second Place – Bobby Wayne Johnson; Third Place – Jason A. Moak.
Bushhog: First Place – Bobby Wayne Johnson; Second Place – Fayette L. “Lyle” Johnson; Third Place – Steve Lofton.
** Winners are left to right in each photo in the slideshow. **
Also pictured in each photo is Brian Ratliff, MDOT Deputy Executive Director; Matt Dugas, District 7 Maintenance Engineer; Janie Bass, District 7 Assistant Maintenance Engineer.
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.
For more information about the Equipment Operators Roadeo, visit GoMDOT.com.
