D-1's Rearden repeats as top driver at state 'roadeo'
Mike Rearden returned to a familiar home last week -- the winner's circle -- after winning the 2012 ITD truck roadeo, staged at Dworshak Dam near Orofino. Rearden successfully defended his individual title as the department's top equipment operator. He and runner-up Mark Porter qualified for a berth at the national finals this fall in Colorado.
Serrano joined co-workers Stacey McCurdy and Cole Wagoner to claim the team championship for District 6. All three operators finished in the top 10 at the state finale. District 2 placed two drivers in the top 10 -- Ty Winther and Sean Sargent.
The district and state roadeos test the driving, problem-solving and knowledge of transportation technicians and foremen. They maneuver motor graders and six-wheeled dump trucks with a snow plow blade attached through a challenging obstacle course. Competitors also take a skills test and must diagnose a truck that has been planted with mechanical problems.
The top two transportation technicians and the top foreman from the state roadeo are eligible to compete with other operators from throughout the country in a national finale at Estes Park, Colo. It is held in conjunction with the Western Snowfighters conference.
State competition
1. Mike Rearden (repeat winner), District 1
2. Mark Porter, District 5
3. Camilo Serrano, District 6
4. Darrin May, District 6
5. Ty Winther, District 2
6. Kelley Dick, District 3
7. Cole Wagoner, District 6
8. Rick Connell, District 4
9. Stacey McCurdy, District 6
10. Sean Sargent, District 2
ITD District Roadeo Results |
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| Place | District 1 (June 5, Athol) | District 2 (June 7, Dworshak Dam) |
| Foreman | Dustin Chase (Shop Superintendent) | Mark Schuster |
| 1 | Jeff Vucnich | Eric Nelson |
| 2 | Dylan Jensen | Sean Sargent |
| 3 | Derek Snider | Dirk Wambold |
| Place | District 3 (May 30, Garden Valley) | District 4 (May 16, Twin Falls) |
| Foreman | Robin Freeman | Tony Rigby |
| 1 | Coit Herrick | Rick Connell |
| 2 | Brad Steiner | Allen Stowell |
| 3 | Kelly Dick | Sarah Wooley |
| Place | District 5 (May 24, Pocatello) | District 6 (May 22, Ashton) |
| Foreman | Mark Porter | Darrin May |
| 1 | Bruce Dial | Camilo Serrano |
| 2 | Mike Vansell | Stacey McCurdy |
| 3 | Justin Skinner | Cole Wagoner |
Published 6-22-2012