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JACKSON, MISS. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its annual State Equipment Operators Roadeo at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on June 5.
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.
Contestants in the state competition won earlier Roadeos held in each of the six MDOT districts. Winners from the State Roadeo will move on to the southeast regional competition held Sept. 23-25 in Lexington, KY.
State Roadeo events and state champions in each event are as follows:
- Lowboy: First Place – Allen Stewart; Second Place – Trenton Marshall; Third Place – Keith Donahue.
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Billy Coward; Second Place – Brandon Felton; Third Place – Michael Pannell.
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Joel Chrestman; Second Place – Coly Smith; Third Place – Dennis Sullivan.
- Backhoe: Frist Place – Nicholas Lindsey; Second Place – Thomas R. Goode; Third Place – William “David” Manuel.
- Motor Grader: First Place – Nick Brower; Second Place – Simpson Wofford; Third Place – Adam Martin.
- Tractor Mower: First Place – Nathan Perkins; Second Place – Steve Lofton; Third Place – Hunt Hutson.
- Skid Steer: First Place – Jacob Huppert; Second Place – Kody Pittman; Third Place –Robert Carey.
- Overall State Roadeo Champions: – District 5, Newton.
Winners are pictured left to right in each photo. Also pictured in each photo are (far left) Earl Glenn, Chief Engineer; and (far right) Jeff Ely, Chief Deputy/Chief of Staff.
For more information about the Equipment Operators Roadeo, visit GoMDOT.com.
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