COLLEGE STATION, TX The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Excavation Safety Rodeo Roundup drew more than 200 attendees to the Riverside Campus last month to watch demonstrations or participate in the heavy equipment rodeo, where operators competed in various skills tests. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to network with a range of industry professionals to include transportation, construction, utilities, EHS, pipeline, and heavy equipment.

Safety demonstrations included a gas line strike demonstration and damage investigation, arcing and vac truck demonstrations, as well as a bucket truck rescue demonstration.

The Aggieland event was hosted by the TEEX Infrastructure Training & Safety Institute in cooperation with Atmos Energy and Texas811. Other sponsors included Associated Supply Company - Lower Brazos, Doggett Heavy Machinery - Lower Brazos, Mustang Cat, Bobcat of the Brazos Valley, Texas Communications Expo, Inc. and WC Tractor. A vendor show was held during the event, and attendees could have their photos taken with Texas Longhorn "Tumbleweed" from Luckenbach, Texas.

Winners of the heavy equipment rodeo were: Ed Castro (Lower Colorado River Authority) for "Undress Mannequin"; Robert Byrd (REC) for "Ball Exercise"; Frederick Robinson (City of College Station) for "Track & Ball"; Mike Garcia (City of College Station) for "Gates" and Robert Smith (Atmos) for "Red Pin."