Thursday, November 7, 50 welding teams representing more than 35 schools across
Oklahoma and Texas descended on the campus of Marietta Public Schools for the third
annual Red River Rumble, an OKFFA Welding Series sanctioned event. This year’s
teams came from Northeastern Oklahoma all the way to New Caney High School, just
outside Houston, Texas.
At the Rumble, welders were required to build a picnic table frame. Although the
material was furnished for the teams of two, they’d designed the blueprint themselves
and were judged on how well they stuck to that original design, as well as the quality of
their workmanship. Students were also graded on how well they performed on safety
and tool identification tests.
The top 10 teams in the contest took home a share of almost $15,000 in prizes. Judging
the contest were several former FFA members/MHS graduates, joined by industry
representatives from Bix Tex and C & M Trailer manufacturers. A Madill team was
chosen as the championship team, while Poteau and Strother teams garnered reserve
and bronze places, respectively. Marietta member Brody Bazor placed second in the
Tool Identification test and Schuyler Blevins was third in the cutting torch races, another
popular contest at the rodeo.
All competitors and their advisors were treated to a hot meal, prepared especially for
them by Derrie Minyard and approximately 15 other volunteers.
“It takes about a month to get all of this planned and scheduled and gather up all the
donations,” said Minyard, “but we are happy to come and do it. It’s for the kids, and we
are glad to come and support our FFA program.”
This year’s menu included a Philly cheesesteak sandwich made to order, French fries,
baked beans, and other goodies, followed by a choice of homemade desserts.
“This is just amazing,” said volunteer Nancy Minyard as she served. “I can’t believe all
the kids who are here, and how many adults who have come to volunteer. It’s so neat to
be a part of it.”
The contest, which began in 2022 with a small handful of Oklahoma teams has grown
exponentially, with well over 150 welders and advisors in attendance this year, in
addition to more than 30 volunteers and several community members.
“These kids are impressive competitors, but they’re also developing a skill set that they
can use to go out and get a good job, and that will benefit our entire community,” said
Love County Undersheriff Trent Daniel, who, along with his wife Bre’, a Love County
Extension Educator, were there to show their support for the FFA program.
It was a busy day for Marietta FFA advisors Josh Bazor and Kelsi Kamesch, but both
were thrilled with the turnout.
“People don’t realize what an intense day it is for the kids,” Kamesch said “It’s an entire
day of precise measurements, welding in all kinds of weather and sometimes awkward
positions and communicating with your team member. It’s a challenge for every part of
your body and brain, and I commend these kids for being willing to put themselves to
the test.”
After finishing the picnic table frame, students were asked to take it back home, paint
and install a top and benches, and were invited back to Marietta on March 1 for the
Shop Rat Showdown, where the tables, among other finished projects will be exhibited
and judged.
“Every year, we are just humbled by the amount of support we receive from our
community,” explained Bazor. “We always have plenty of volunteers who are willing to
come and help, and our list of donors continues to grow so we can give great prizes
every year. They help make this even one of the best of its kind and we couldn’t do it
without them.”