In 1988 the Water Environment Federation held its National Convention in Dallas, Texas. The hosting cities of Dallas and Fort Worth quickly fielded two teams to represent Texas in a newly-created event called the OPERATIONS CHALLENGE, a contest which was developed to promote a goal of "Operator Excellence."

The various contest events were chosen to demonstrate an operator's knowledge, expertise, training, and skill needed to perform required daily duties. In Texas, the success of the OPERATIONS CHALLENGE is due, in large part, to the efforts of Rhonda Harris who introduced the Challenge to the State of Texas. Rhonda was later joined by Curtis Smalley, and the two served as Co-Chairs for the W.E.A.T.'s OPERATIONS CHALLENGE committee and were instrumental in recruiting, developing and coordinating the State competition.

In 1989 the first State competition forOPERATIONS CHALLENGE was held on the campus of Texas A&M University during the Texas Water Utilities Association's 71st Annual School, and the annual School served as the framework for the event during the next four years.

The 1989 the first state competition was won by a team from the City of Kerrville.

In 1990, the team from the City of Dallas won the State Competition. The City of Austin's team placed second in the State competition, advancing to the WEF national competition in Washington, D.C. and placing 32nd. This first Austin team was comprised of Team Captain Bill Pentecost and Team Members James Carpenter, Katrina Williams, and Adolphus "Andy" Anderson, and Coach Joe Linger.

In 1991, a City of Austin team won the State Competition. The team advanced and competed in the WEF national event in Ontario, Canada, where they improved, placing 27th in the nation. This team was comprised of Team Captain James Carpenter, and Team Members David Barker, Oscar Guerrero, and Jesse Castro. The team was coached first by Bill Pentecost and later by Joe Linger.

In 1992, a team from the Brazos River Authority won the State competition, advancing to the WEF Nationals in New Orleans. Also in 1992, Christen Loven with the TWUA became a great supporter of the OPERATIONS CHALLENGE, becoming heavily involved in all the behind-the-scenes details (all million and one of them!) that play such an important part of a successful program.

In 1993, the City of Austin regrouped and held tryouts to take advantage of its trememdous personnel resources because so many were interested in being on the team. To maximize training, supplies of used or discarded pipe, lumber, and other equipment, were gathered for use in the many after-hours training sessions in each of the events. From the tryouts of all the events, the new "The Austin Blue's " team was formed with Team Captain James Carpenter, Team Members David Barker, Oscar Guerrero, and Ken Lockard, and Coach James Miller. For the first time, the team could practice the actual events with tools and equipment.

In 1993, the State competition became a part of the annual W.E.A.T. Conference and was held in Austin, Texas. The AustinBlue's took first place in four of the five events on their way to becoming State Champions. The Austin Blue's advanced, representing Texas at the WEF Nationals in Convention held in Anaheim, California. The Austin Blues Team improved dramatically and placed 11th in the nation.

Also in 1993 Curtis Smalley, Co-Chair of the WEAT OPERATIONS CHALLENGE Committee, passed the baton to Steve Hodge who became Co-Chair with Rhonda Harris.

In 1994, the W.E.A.T. Conference was held in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Blue's again won Four of the Five Events, repeating as State Champions and advancing to the WEF Nationals in Chicago, Illinois. The Austin Blues competed in Division II, taking second place in the Process Control Event and placing third overall in Division II.

In 1995, the W.E.A.T. Conference was held in Fort Worth, Texas. The competition was tough, and Fort Worth's "Cowtown Hustlers" were the new State Champs. The Austin Blues placed second in the State and advanced to the WEF Nationals held in Miami, Florida. The Austin Blues had moved up to Division I and taking first place in the Collection Event and placing 7th overall in Division I.

In 1996, the AWWA and WEAT held a joint Conference in Austin, Texas. The "Austin Blues" made a strong come-back winning three of the five events on their way to becoming State Champions. The "Austin Blues" team and Coach had now been together for four years and made a really strong team. However, following their win in the State competition, one of the Austin Blues, Member Ken Lockard, pursued a new career opportunity, leaving the City of Austin and its team. A new team member, Francisco Vicent, was selected to replace Lockard. The "Austin Blues" now consisted of Team Captain James Carpenter, Team Members David Barker, Oscar Guerrero, and Francisco Vicent, and Coach James Miller. The "new" Austin Blues competed in the WEF Nationals in Dallas, Texas, and finished 8th overall in Division I.

In April 1997, the Austin Blues successfully defended their title as "State Champions" and will once again represent Texas in the Nationals to be held in Chicago, Illinois. Something very impressive has come of being involved in the OPERATIONS CHALLENGE program. Five of the six members of the "Austin Blues" have been inspired to complete the course of study and have successfully tested and achieve their "Class A Certification of Competency". This is the highest certification level offered by the State of Texas. During the actual competition, the spectators see only the four Team Members and Coach; they do not see the "rest of our team" of the Water and Wastewater Utility, such strong involvement and participation would not be possible.

Special thanks go to Utility Director Randy Goss and Assistant Directors Willie Rhodes, Alex Duderstadt, and Chris Lippe for their continuing support of the Utility's efforts to promote excellence.

Also, special thanks are in order for Daniel Allen, Executive Director of the TWUA and to the TWUA for the warm welcome and continous support they have given to everyone involved in the Challenge. Finally, extra-special thanks go to the Water Environmental Association of Texas (W.E.A.T. ) and the many fine sponsors throughout the State of Texas who enable the championship teams to compete at the national event each year.