LIMA, OH — In a showcase of skill and precision, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 hosted its annual truck and loader roadeo in Lima, Ohio. 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," Deputy Director Chris Hughes said. "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, Ohio.
Top spots in the loader and truck categories go to Paulding County, Van Wert County, Wyandot County, and Roadway Services garages:
- 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
- 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
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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.
Local high school construction equipment technology students from Apollo Career Center in Lima and Vantage Career Center in 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.
