Camden Clubb, a senior at Henry County High School and a welding student at the Carroll County Area Technology Center, recently earned first place in the annual Logan Cooper torch cutting competition.
Growing up, Camden imagined a future working with his hands. “When growing up I always wanted to be a lineman or a welder,” he said. “They travel a lot and I’ve always been interested in them.” After gaining hands-on experience in the welding program at CCATC, his path became clear. “Coming here and doing it I got more experienced than being a lineman and I figured out I like welding more.”
What draws him in is the transformation itself. “It’s cool melting metals together and welding them together,” Camden said. “It’s just fascinating to do too.”
The torch cutting competition is one of the most anticipated events of the year for welding students. The welders raced to see who could cut through steel the fastest with an acetylene torch. The competition is held annually in honor of Logan Cooper, a Grant County welding student who passed away in 2017.
While it may look straightforward, Camden says success depends on mastering the details.
“The angle of your torch and how hot you have your torch set to is the secret,” he explained. “Experience, the angle and speed are the three biggest things.”
Welding instructor Justin Tingle praised the young welder. “Cam is a good student and welder.,” Tingle said. Not only did Cam win the competition, he also won a $3,000 Kentucky Welding Institute scholarship and prizes valued at more than $500. Tingle noted the torch cutting competition included 100 student welders from many different schools and Cam went undefeated.
During the competition, Camden relied on consistency, using the same technique from start to finish. Still, challenges arose. At one point, a piece of metal became stuck due to intense heat causing it to melt back together.
“It was kind of nerve racking,” Camden said. With classmates pointing out the problem, he stayed focused, scanned the metal, and carefully cut away the stuck section. “I learned to be good at problem solving,” he said. “When it was stuck I had to find the problem and fix it.”
That ability to stay calm under pressure reflects both his training and his background. Camden has been around welding for several years, watching his stepdad’s brother work on derby cars and his dad weld farm equipment. These experiences sparked his interest long before he ever picked up a torch himself.
When the final cut was made, Camden’s instincts paid off. His win not only earned him bragging rights but also highlighted the value of practice, mentorship, and real-world skills taught at the Carroll County Area Technology Center.
(Photos courtesy of Justin Tingle)