On Thursday, April 17, Neosho County Community College (NCCC) hosted the 15th Annual NCCC Stick Welding Invitational at the Mitchell Career and Technology Center.
The competition was split between a technical weld test and a digital knowledge test, and featured 89 students from 18 teams.
Quiton Thompson of NCCC-La Harpe finished first as an individual in the College Division with an average score of 93.5. Anthony Alexander- Holmes of NCCC-Ottawa finished second with a score of 91.5, while Aidan Bean of Chanute High School finished third with a score of 86.5.
NCCC-Ottawa finished first in the team standings with an average team score of 81.08, followed by NCCC-La Harpe with 68.14, and Chanute High School with 67.
In the High School Division, the top overall individual finish came down to a tie between Kaden Keil of Bluestem High School and 2024 Stick Welding Champion Mason Brenton of Bluestem High School with scores of 77. Luke Harris of Fort Scott High School finished second with a score of 62.5, while Kaden Cannon of Fort Scott High School finished third with a score of 59.
Bluestem High School came away with the team title in the High School Division with an average score of 57.07, followed by Fort Scott High School with a score of 51.86, and Ottawa High School with a score of 48.5.
Top three individual finishers and winning teams were presented with a laser cut plaque created by the NCCC Welding Department. Individuals also went home with prize baskets full of welding gear, including new helmets and gloves.
All contestants were entered into a raffle for various welding equipment and gear, and enjoyed a catered barbeque lunch provided by Thompson Brothers Welding Supply.
The Bluestem High School team poses with its first place plaque for winning the High School Division during the 15th Annual NCCC Stick Welding Invitational on Thursday, April 17, at the Mitchell Career and Technology Center. NCCC | Courtesy Photo
