No Snow, No Problem: Snowplow Drivers Show Off Skills at NDOT Snowplow Roadeo
While there may not be snow on the ground, snowplow operators from across Nebraska came together to put their skills to the test. It was all part of the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) annual Snowplow Roadeo.
The statewide competition was at the Nebraska Safety Center in Kearney, where teams completed a timed written test, inspected a snowplow for issues and navigated an obstacle course in their plows. Teams were awarded points based on their accuracy and precision in maneuvering around cones, backing up without cameras and more, all simulating various winter road maintenance challenges.
"This is a great opportunity for our teams to not only show off their skills, have a little friendly competition against each other, but this is really about safety and recognizing what it is to be a snowplow operator,” Mick Syslo, NDOT deputy director of operations said.
This annual event started at the local level, with competitions in each of the NDOT’s eight districts. From there, the top two teams in each district advanced to Thursday’s state competition. The stakes were high, with the chance to compete at the national level on the line.
For the 2025 winners, Jim Paulsen and Justin Polk from Chappell in District 5, it wasn’t their first roadeo. The duo said they came prepared and with the mindset of making it to the national level.
"We did some background things, studying for the test and things like that," Polk said. "The driving is the easy part; the whole thing is hard to put together.”
Alongside the winners, runners-up Ryan Kozal and John Saxton from Gordon, also in District 5, will compete against snowplow operators from across the country. Both teams will represent Nebraska at the national competition, held Sept. 24-26 in Loveland, Colo., in conjunction with the APWA Western Snow and Ice Conference.
Thursday’s competition was about more than who came out on top. It was also a chance for snowplow operators to connect and learn from one another, while also prioritizing safety while on the job.
“We always want these guys to go home at the end of the day, so we really emphasize that” said John Lutz, District 5 highway operations and maintenance manager. “Plus, some of the skills that they display you wouldn’t think would be all that difficult to do, but it actually is. It takes a very skilled driver to do the course, let alone to plow snow.”
Even though it may be a while until these snowplow drivers are needed to clear Nebraska roadways, events like the Snowplow Roadeo help sharpen their skills, and keep safety at the forefront.
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