MCCOMB, MISS. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its annual Equipment Operators Roadeo for District 7 at the district office in McComb on Thursday, March 7.
“The annual Roadeo is an opportunity for MDOT staff to sharpen and show off their skills as equipment operators and engage in some friendly competition at the same time,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. “This event is one of many ways MDOT invests in workforce development to help keep the traveling public safe year-round and help prevent work zone accidents.”
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 7 events and winners are as follows:
- Lowboy: First Place – Nicholas C. “Nick” Coker; Second Place – Cory G. Beadles; Third Place – Eric L. Gant.
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Cory G. Beadles; Second Place – Michael C. “Mechanic’s Mechanic” Jones; Third Place – Ernest L. “Shug” Turner.
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Coly S. Smith; Second Place – Dustin G. Bacot; Third Place – William R. “Richie” Fulgham.
- Backhoe: First Place – Jake Burge; Second Place – Christopher B. Wallace; Third Place – Charles W. Sumrall.
- Motor Grader: First Place – Jason Moak; Second Place – William R. “Richie” Fulgham; Third Place – Bobby Wayne “Wayne” Johnson.
- Tractor Mower: First Place – Fayette L. Johnson; Second Place – Bobby Wayne “Wayne” Johnson; Third Place – Blake Knight.
- Skid Steer: First Place – Devin L. Wells; Second Place – Leroy Scroggs Jr.; Third Place – Jake Burge.
Winners are left to right in each photo. Also pictured in each photo is MDOT Chief Engineer Earl Glenn (far left) and Commissioner Charles Busby (far right).
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.
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The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.
