Competitors were judged on their welding skills and welding terminology and prizes awarded to the highest team and individual scores. Abingdon/Avon received the top team prize, a Lincoln Electric 180Amp GMAW machine for their school. Cuba High School won 2nd place and received a prize of a 160 Amp Thermal ArSMAW/GTAW
machine for their school. 1st place individual prize was a top of the line Miller Elite Auto darkening welding helmet won by Alec Smith, of Abingdon High School. 2nd place also received an Miller Elite helmet and Tim Beetler, of Galesburg High School, and 3rdplace another auto darkening helmet went to Dalton Simpson of Monmouth-Roseville High School.
The competition was not only a great learning experience for all students involved, but they all received free safety glasses, welding gloves and beenies from Praxair. They also got to visit with representatives from area manufacturers and trade schools, such as Midstate Mfg, BNSF, National Railways, Plumbers/Pipefitters Local 25, Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 91, and Heat and Control.