ST. GEORGE — Two Dixie State College concurrent enrollment automotive students recently placed first at the AAA/Ford Student Auto Skills Competition in Salt Lake City, earning the right to represent the state of Utah at national competition in Washington, D.C., next month. Rick G. Ballard, Hurricane High School, and Travis D. Christy, Pineview High School, St. George, teamed to diagnose and repair 10 mechanical problems on a disabled 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. They finished in 56 minutes with a perfect score. Each will receive a $9,000 scholarship. Ten teams from Utah schools competed based on a preliminary qualifying exam.
Both Ballard and Christy are completing their junior year in high school. They are enrolled in DSC's ASE certified automotive program through concurrent enrollment. DSC automotive instructor Archie Romney coaches the team.