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 7 at the district office in McComb on Thursday, March 2.
“The Roadeo is an excellent way to encourage our operators to meet the very highest standards in safety as well as reward their good work,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “The skills of our operators help keep workers and the traveling public safe. It’s essential we continue to invest in their skills, and the fun and friendly competition the Roadeo provides is one of the best ways to do that.”
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 – Christopher Ivory; Second Place – Cory G. Beadles; Third Place – Michael C. “The Mechanic’s Mechanic” Jones.
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Coly S. Smith; Second Place – Jerome “Cole” Coleman; Third Place – Christopher Ivory
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Coly S. Smith; Second Place – Michael D. “Mike” Pritchett; Third Place – Michael C. “The Mechanic’s Mechanic” Jones.
- Backhoe: First Place – Jake Burge; Second Place – Christopher B. Wallace; Third Place – Mark C. Smith.
- Motor Grader: First Place – Jason A. Moak; Second Place – William R. “Richie” Fulgham; Third Place – Octavius Saul.
- Bushhog: First Place – Steven M. “Steve” Lofton; Second Place – Bobby Wayne “Wayne” Johnson; Third Place – William R. “Taylor” Taylor.
Winners are left to right in each photo. Also pictured in each photo is District 7 Assistant Maintenance Engineer Janie Bass (far left) and MDOT Chief Engineer Brian Ratliff (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.
