by Kelsey Penrose
Using only a drill bit and a hammer, the annual Rock Drilling Competition wowed and impressed on Nevada Day.
The winner of the competition was awarded to First Place, $2000 – Emmit Hoyl.
The intention of the competition is to attempt to drill the deepest hole possible within ten minutes, with only a steady stream of water to help the drillers excavate.
Rock Drilling is steeped in old west tradition, and can range anywhere from a three-person team drill, called, accurately, a “three hand,” down to double and single. The Nevada Day competition, which is also the world championship of single-jack rock drilling, has always remained a one-player sport.
Each competitor is given ten minutes to try and hammer a thick steel bit into a 4,000-pound piece of granite using only a heavy sledge hammer.
The results of the competition are as follows:
First Place, $2000 – Emmit Hoyl
Second Place, $1500 – Tom Donovan
Third Place, $1000 – Jesse Pattridge
Fourth Place, $750 – Matt Decker
Fifth Place, $500 – Matt Karst
Sixth Place, $250 – Steve MacDonald
