Focusing on safety, efficiency and skill, MDOT’s Roadeos provide employees with an opportunity to practice 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.
“Employee training is one way MDOT ensures that crews in the field are operating as safely as possible,” said Commissioner Mike Tagert, Northern Transportation District. “The Roadeos allow MDOT’s skilled maintenance workforce to demonstrate and practice knowledge, skills and abilities gained from experience working on Mississippi’s highways.”
State Roadeo winners are as follows:
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: Roger Brown, of Amory, first place; Matthew Thorne, of Newton, second place; and John Hodge, of Lake, third place.
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: Derrick Stamps, of Cary, first place; David Baty, of Hattiesburg, second place; and Steve Allen, of Booneville, third place.
- Lowboy: Billy Coward, of Conehatta, first place; William Fulgham, of Smithdale, second place; and Mike Mink, of Blue Mountain, third place.
- Motor Grader: Jeremy Hankins, of Crowder, first place; Simpson Wofford, of Mantee, second place; and Jake Burge, of Taylorville, third place.
- Bushhog: Nathan Perkins, of Conehatta, first place; Wayne Perkins, of Conehatta, second place; and Vincent Necaise, of Kiln, third place.
- Backhoe: Fdaran Thompson, of Tylertown, first place; Thomas Goode, of Batesville, second place; and Craig Kelly, of Decatur, third place.
- State Roadeo Team Champion: MDOT’s District 5 Team from Newton
The winner of each event has the opportunity to compete in the southeast regional roadeo, which will be held in September in Biloxi, Mississippi.
