ROGERS, ARK. (9-17) – The Roadeo trophy has a new home in Arkansas after the 16th
Annual Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Roadeo competition.

The event took place September 4th – 6th in scenic Rogers, Arkansas, hosted by the Arkansas
Department of Transportation (ARDOT). The best competitors from Georgia, Virginia,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, and
South Carolina gathered to showcase their skills and use of best safety practices on
construction equipment.

The Roadeo began in 2003 as a friendly competition between Arkansas and Mississippi to
promote skill advancement for employees whose jobs require the operation of heavy
equipment. Throughout the years it has grown to include more states and focuses to increase
the safety awareness level of employees working in or around work zones, to increase
employee morale and value, to strengthen team spirit and teamwork, and to recognize
exceptionally skilled equipment operators in a friendly, competitive atmosphere.

Competition categories included tractor truck with lowboy, tandem axle dump truck, single
axle dump truck, tractor/mower, backhoe, and motor grader.

“Each competitor from every state is a reflection of the great work they do,” ARDOT Director
Scott Bennett said. “This competition is a chance for everyone to put their skills to the test
and learn from one another.”

Each category had first, second, and third place winners. Arkansas won first place in the
overall team category, with South Carolina taking second and Tennessee winning third.


The 2019 Southeastern Regional Roadeo will take place in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Photo Captions:
Team Arkansas: (from left to right) Derek Stroot, Jeff Upton, Jeremy Evans, TJ Pulley, Brian
Johnson, Johnny Jason, Director Scott Bennett (with trophy), Stephen Norris, Keith
Carpenter, David Pruitt, Eugene Farrell, Chad Foster, and Blake Angel

Team South Carolina: (from left to right) Jeff Kelley, Jeremy Etters, Michael Rowlen, Cody
McAbee, Jeffrey Mullenbach, Jonathan Thomas, Brandon Varnadore, Jacob Courtney, Scott
Burgess, Chip Catoe, Ken Hunt, and Jeremy Shrewsberry

Team Tennessee: (from left to right) Mark Smith, Jacob Griggs, Joshua Eggert-Michael,
Bryan Patrick, Hunter Butler, Will Austin, Mark Lovelace, Trevor Staggs, Lance Roland,
Jason Hicklen, Ricky Byrd, and Wade Ramsey

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