SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Ariel Rodriguez and Thomas Hilbig will vie for the title of America’s Best Inspector and America’s Best Technician in Greenville, S.C., later this year after earning top spots in the Texas Technician and Inspector’s Roadeo this past weekend.

The inspector and technician from Houston Independent School District and North East Independent School District in San Antonio joined 27 other contestants for the second annual contest. Kurt Clegg of Pearland Independent School District and Kevin Vollwieler of Frisco Independent School District took second and third in the inspector category, respectively. Danny Maples, also of Frisco, and Perry Simons, of Alvin Independent School District, took second and third in the technician’s category.

Dennis Thompson, president of the Texas Association of School Bus Technicians (TASBT), said the contest was not disturbed by the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, which had closed a number of area schools and reportedly delayed school bus driver roadeos. Thompson said contests like these help gauge skill and recognize best practices.

TASBPT sponsors Hydrotex, Heavy Duty Bus Parts, Chalk’s Bus Parts, ACDelco, Texas Alternator and Starter Service supported the event with meals, door prizes and will offer Rodriguez and Hilbig airfare and accommodations for the national competition this September.