LAHARPE Seventy-two fledgling welders from across eastern Kansas descended upon the Regional Rural Technical Center in LaHarpe Friday for the schools second annual welding competition.
The event was hosted by Neosho County Community College, which offers the welding course in LaHarpe to area high-schoolers and collegians.
The level of competition was impressive, judge Paul Preston said afterward. Preston, who works as a business agent for a Wichita plumbers and pipefitters union, said several of the 72 competitors have bright futures in the welding industry if they want to continue in the field.
Its so wide open for them, said Preston, a former teacher. My heart is for these kids and their future.
Students were judged on the quality of their welds, which required them to affix a 2-inch pipe to a pair of metal plates an industry standard as well as their safety practices.
Safety is always our top priority, Preston said. When you have two entries that are almost identical in terms of quality and appearance, even a point or two makes a big difference.
Several industrial sponsors, including B&W Trailer Hitches and Monarch Cement Co. of Humboldt, provided the materials.
Wright Brothers Welding and Industrial Supply provided lunch to the competitors.
