Four students from the Welding class competed in GMAW on March 2nd in Beloit.

The four who competed were seniors Keaton Augustine, Mikey Schmidt, Jacob Nelson and junior Matthew Fross.

“The students had to do two weldments and a 50-question welding test,” instructor Nathan Howard said. “First weldment was 1/4” and the other was with 3/8” material.”

The students received drawings and had to replicate them by welding the pieces in the correct place with the correct weld.

They were scored individually as well as a team in each portion.

“All four together scored enough points for the team to place 3rd behind Sterling and Salina,” Howard said. “We placed 3rd out of 29 schools from all over Kansas, which is a big thing.”

Fross placed first overall in the competition beating out 85 other welders with a score of 541.

“When I first found out I won I was kind of surprised because I didn’t think I did that well,” Fross said.

Fross received a torch kit as well as a $1000 scholarship to NCKTC.

“I’m still not sure what I’m going to do but I think welding might play a part in my future,” Fross said.

20hdannar@usd489.com