Four welders competed at the Beloit Welding Competition on March 1 at North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK). Their team score was based on their individual scores, which landed them in second place.

Out of 102 competitors, three placed in the top 20 and senior Kyle Casper placed in the top 50.

Third place: senior Matt Fross

11th place: senior Kelby Schoendaller

17th place: senior Bret Vancil

This is the third year welders have competed at this competition, and they began when instructor Nathan Howard began teaching at Hays High three years ago. Howard is pleased with how the four did.

“The top three actually will win a scholarship to NCK, if they want to go there,” instructor Nathan Howard said. “It’s a good thing to put on their resume because it shows their a qualified welder, and they get some exposure to people.”

Fross hoped to do well at the competition, and since he placed in third, he will receive a scholarship to NCK.

“I got first last year, so I had some expectations,” Fross said. “I’m pretty happy with it. I could have done better on some of the welds, but overall I feel I did alright.”

19ibraun@usd489.com