Gibson wins District 1 equipment roadeo, leads
north Idaho group qualifying for state event

Twenty-three participants took part in the District 1 equipment roadeo May 23 at Moyie Springs Gravel Pit (near the Bonners Ferry Maintenance shed), with TJ Gibson emerging as the winner after the day-long event.

"It was a perfect day for the roadeo, and everyone had a great time," D1 Operations Manager Jerry Wilson said. "We had folks either participating, judging, or just attending the fun from all Foreman Areas, the Shop, Design/Construct, Planning, Admin, and even our DMV guy. Congratulations to the winners going to State, and 'thank you' to everyone who helped put together a really fun day!"

Gibson and second-place winner Russ Carper, third-place finisher Preston Elliot and Tyler McCully, who finished in fourth place, will travel to Boise’s Blacks Creek site June 18 for the statewide competition. Gibson serves in Coeur d’Alene Operations, Carper is in the St. Maries Maintenance shed, while both Preston and Tyler are from the Osburn/Mullan Maintenance shed.

Gibson finished in third place in the district last year, while Elliot finished in fifth place and was an alternate.

Final standings represent the average scores of snowplow and loader driving competitions added to scores on a 10-question multiple choice exam about topics related to participants' jobs and a truck inspection to identify five "planted" defects. Safety standards are closely monitored, like using your seat belt throughout an event and maintaining three points of contact when entering or exiting a piece of equipment.

Published 05-31-19