Brakes are designed to stop cars and trucks, but they don’t even slow down Oxford High School’s auto students.
Thirty-one future mechanics participated in the automotive program’s annual brake competition held March 12.
OHS Auto Instructor Dan Balsley called it ‘one of the best? competitions he’s conducted since he started doing them nearly 30 years ago.
‘It was well-organized,? he said. ‘The students were competitive. They did a good job and were good sports. Win, lose or draw, I was proud of my students.?
Two-person teams went head-to-head to see who could completely dismantle and rebuild a drum brake assembly on two different vehicles in the least amount of time.
All of the work had to be done as quickly and accurately as possible. Errors in craftsmanship can disqualify a team’s time. Teams could be timed as many times as they wished during the competition.
Earning first place were Jacob Taylor and Bailey Schornak. They won with a combined time of 4 minutes, 14 seconds.
‘I was really impressed,? Balsley said. ‘The first place team was able to consistently disassemble and reassemble brakes on two different vehicles (in) an average of just over 2 minutes. That’s incredible.?
Wendle Motes and Ethan Humphrey finished in second place with a combined time of 6 minutes, 47 seconds.
In third place, with a combined time of 7 minutes, 3 seconds, were Josh Hall and Sam Urban.
These six students earned an array of prizes including brand new tool boxes and tool sets, gift certificates and hats.
Sponsors included the Rotary Club of Oxford, Steve’s Oxford Automotive, Wright Tool and Oxford McDonald’s.
Balsley started the competition as a fun way to get his students enthusiastic about doing brake work, which is a complicated, dirty job that involves many parts.
‘It’s a great motivator,? he said. ‘It boosts student morale and gives them something to look forward to. The competitive nature of the students really feeds into this.?
The students go from disliking this type of service, or even being intimidated by it, to being able to turn ‘a pile of shoes and springs on the floor? into a functioning brake within a matter of minutes.
‘It kind of breaks the ice,? Balsley said. ‘They get their hands into it and realize they can do it.?
Following the competition, the students enjoyed a buffet of pop and snacks, and each received a coupon for a complimentary menu item from the Oxford McDonald’s.