Advanced Category – Payton Ervin 2nd Place Fort Payne
Beginner Category – Gavin Garrison 1st Place Ider
On Nov. 20, 2019 DeKalb County Technology Center Welding Instructor Russell McFall took 6 students to the 10th Annual Drake State Technical College Welding Competition in Huntsville AL. Four tech schools were represented at the competition and each school was allowed to bring 6 students. Three in each division for advanced and beginner categories. The advanced contest was for students who had 1 or more years of Tech School. The contest consisted of welding 2 different projects with various Joint designs, multiple positions, and processes. The first was a carbin steal project that was welded with SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes. The second was an Aluminum project welded with the GTAW process. The beginner contest was for new students who are taking Tech school for the first time. The contest consisted of welding a single carbin steal project in multiple positions and Joint designs using the SMAW process with 2 different types of rods. Students were competing for the top 3 spots in each category. Thousands of dollars in prizes were given to the students who placed and the grand prize in the advanced category was a scholarship to Drake State. All Prizes were provided by Drake State Technical College, Lincoln Electric, and Holston Gases.
McFall said “I would like to thank Drake State Welding instructor Joseph Bevel for the invitation because it is a great experience for our students.” McFall added, “I’m proud of the way our students performed. We placed in both categories and won the beginner category for the 4th year in a row. We don’t really practice a lot for competitions but I believe it is a great experience for the students because it helps them to deal with their emotions of welding under pressure. They will also face the same challenge throughout their careers and I hope these opportunities help prepare them. I constantly remind them to be thankful for what we have to work with at DCTC and to make the most of their learning opportunity they have here.”
DeKalb County Career Tech Director Jonathan Phillips stated the success of the students at this annual competition is a testament to Mr. McFall and students hard work, you do not four peat in any competition on accident. I’m proud of Mr. McFall and his students.
