ODOT District 1 showcased heavy equipment expertise at their annual Roadeo, with top performers advancing to Director's Cup. Local high school students experienced operating ODOT equipment. Wyandot County and Putnam County schools won the Paint-the-Plow contest. Carey High School's plow design with Deputy Nigel won the People's Choice award.
ODOT photo
Top operators in ODOT District 1’s annual truck and loader Roadeo (L-R) are Zach Timbrook, Paulding County garage; Matthew Brodman, Roadway Services garage; Chris Lobsiger, Van Wert County garage; Kolby Taylor, Wyandot County garage; and Austin Dukes, Wyandot County garage. Lobsiger placed first in the truck competition while Taylor placed first in the loader event.
In a showcase of skill and precision, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 hosted its annual truck and loader Roadeo in Lima on May 15. Thirty-nine employees from across the eight-county district competed for top honors in a series of challenges that tested their expertise in heavy equipment operation and commercial driving.
"The Roadeo brings our teams from across the district together in friendly competition, showcasing our operator's expertise in heavy equipment operation, precision driving, pre-trip inspections and CDL regulations," said Chris Hughes, deputy director of ODOT. "We're proud to highlight their achievements while promoting a culture of teamwork and continuous learning."
The Roadeo, which began in 1988, is a long-standing tradition held annually in each of ODOT's 12 districts. The top performers from each district go on to represent their district at the ODOT Director's Cup in Columbus.
Roadeo Results
Top spots in the loader and truck categories go to Paulding County, Van Wert County, Wyandot County and Roadway Services garages:
Loader Competition
• First place — Kolby Taylor, Wyandot County garage with a score of 1,950 out of a possible 2,300.
• Second place — Matthew Brodman, Roadway Services garage.
• Third place — Zach Timbrook, Paulding County garage.
Truck Competition
• First place — Chris Lobsiger, Van Wert County garage with a score of 1,880 out of a possible 2,300.
• Second place — Matthew Brodman, Roadway Services garage.
• Third place — Austin Dukes, Wyandot County garage.
The top two winners in each category will represent District 1 at the Director's Cup Truck and Loader Roadeo. Lobsiger and Brodman will compete in the truck competition, while Taylor and Brodman will participate in the loader competition. Timbrook and Dukes earned spots as alternates.
The Hancock County maintenance garage was named team champion (top two truck scores and top two loader scores) with a total score of 6,690.
Mentoring Future Operators
Local high school construction equipment technology students from Apollo Career Center, Lima, and Vantage Career Center, Van Wert, recently had the opportunity to operate ODOT equipment and navigate the roadeo course, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the skills required for a career in heavy equipment operation.
Paint-the-Plow Contest
In conjunction with the Roadeo, 23 plows painted by local schools were on display. ODOT employees voted for their favorite entries, and the public also participated by voting on social media.
ODOT announced the champion as Wyandot County's Carey High School and Putnam County's Fort Jennings High School.
People's Choice Winners
• First place: Carey High School — Deputy Nigel and "Paws and Follow the Laws"
• Second place: Fort Jennings High School — Patriotic eagle and flag
• Third place: Mohawk Preschool — Adorable drawings and handprints
Nigel is a facility dog who works with the school resource officer, Deputy Ryan McKinnon, and the Wyandot County Sheriff's Office. Provided at no cost by Canine Companions, Nigel has made an immediate impact on the school community since his arrival in May of 2024.
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