DCTC Welding State Champions
On Saturday, April 17, 2021, DeKalb County Technology Center (DCTC) Welding Instructor Russell McFall took five students that had earned their way to the SkillsUSA Alabama State Welding Contest, held at Local 91 Pipefitters Union in Birmingham. Three districts across the state brought their top three students to compete for the state title. The contest consisted of an advanced and beginner category.
Advanced students had to complete four welding projects using four different processes for each one in multiple positions and joint designs along with an oxy-fuel cutting project. Evan Woodall from Fyffe High School received a gold medal for placing 1st in the advanced category. Also, Caleb Lyles from Fyffe High School received a silver medal for placing 2nd in the advanced category.
The beginner students had to complete a welding project with two different welding rods in multiple positions and joint designs using the stick process and a written test. Ethan Veal from Sylvania High School received a gold medal for placing 1st in the beginner category. Hunter Willingham from Fyffe High School received a silver medal for placing 2nd in the beginner category.
McFall stated, “This is my 4th State champion in five years, and what a great group of guys that I had this year. Not only just in the competitions that we went to but just the things we were able to accomplish in the shop at DCTC. With all the certifications and other contests we went to this year, I will definitely miss all those guys in the senior class of 2021. Also, winning both welding categories at the state level is so hard to do. I’m so proud of my students because they earned it with all of the extra time they put in. Evan Woodall will represent Alabama at nationals if they decide to have a live contest held in Atlanta, Georgia. The people over Nationals are still undecided on whether to have a live in-person contest or not, so we will see. Also, I want to give a big thank you to Chris Bell and Tommy Dorminey from Local 91 for hosting the event at their Apprenticeship Training Facility.”
DeKalb County Career Tech Supervisor Jonathan Phillips stated, “I’m proud of these students and Mr. McFall on what they have achieved at the district and state level. Most importantly, these students are leaving DCTC with a skill set that prepares them for a lasting career in welding.”
Ethan Veal – Beginner Welding 1st place, Hunter Willingham – Beginner Welding 2nd place,
Evan Woodall – Advanced Welding 1st place, Caleb Lyles – Advanced Welding 2nd place
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