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HGTC Welding Students Excel at 41st Annual Statewide Skills Competition

(Conway, SC) 05/01/2025

Welding Competition Results 2025HGTC Welding Students Shine at 41st Annual Statewide Skills Competition

Pictured left to right:  Ross Crowe(Category 1 - 3rd place), Ceaser Chavez(Category 3), Jeff Ball (department chair/ professor AWT), J.T. Sumpter(Category 2 - 2nd Place), James Owens (professor AWT) Dane Turner (Category 5), Brian Muldowney (professor AWT), Dalton Williams (Category 6 - 3rd place), Jacob Satterfield (professor AWT), Tanner Washum (Category 4 - 3rd place), Ivan Johnson (professor AWT)

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its welding students following the 41st Annual South Carolina Technical Colleges Welding Skills Competition, held April 24-25, 2025, at HGTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center – Welding Lab in Conway.

HGTC students demonstrated exceptional talent across multiple categories, earning top placements among some of the best welding students from across the state.

Congratulations to the following HGTC competitors:

  • J.T. Sumpter – 2nd Place, Category 2 (SMAW Tee Joint 3F and 4F)
  • Ross Crowe – 3rd Place, Category 1 (GTAW Tee Joint 3F – Steel and Aluminum, GMAW Butt Joint 3G – Steel)
  • Dalton Williams – 3rd Place, Category 6 (GTAW Pipe 6G – Stainless Steel)
  • Tanner Washum – 3rd Place, Category 4 (SMAW Pipe 6G – Carbon Steel)

Other HGTC students who represented the College with great skill and professionalism included Ceaser Chavez (Category 3), Dane Turner (Category 5), and their fellow classmates.

"We are incredibly proud of our students' outstanding performance at the state competition," said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore. "Their success is a direct reflection of the high-quality education, hands-on training, and mentorship they receive at HGTC."

The Welding Program’s success is fueled by a dedicated team of instructors and mentors from HGTC’s Advanced Welding Technologies (AWT) program. Special recognition goes to Professors Jeff Ball (Department Chair), James Owens, Brian Muldowney, Jacob Satterfield, and Ivan Johnson for their tireless efforts in preparing students for competition and careers.

“Our welding faculty work hard to ensure students have the knowledge, technical skills, and confidence to succeed both in competitions and in the workforce,” said Jeff Ball, Department Chair and Professor of Welding Technologies. “The students’ accomplishments are well-earned, and we’re excited to see them continue to thrive in their welding careers."

With local industries such as power plants, process piping companies, and pharmaceutical plants seeking skilled welders, HGTC’s welding graduates are well-positioned for immediate employment. The College has proudly maintained a 95-100% job placement rate since 2014, thanks to strong partnerships with industry leaders and the college’s career resource services.

HGTC congratulates all competitors and faculty for a memorable competition and a bright future ahead.

For more information about the HGTC Advanced Welding Technologies program, please contact Jeff Ball, HGTC Chair and Professor of Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Development.