The producer said the competition on the weekend, hosted biennially by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration in Beckley, were segmented into two divisions, one for teams with less than three years of experience and the other for more seasoned crews.

Of the 15 teams that took part in Division 2, Alpha swept all three top spots overall. First place went to Kingston White, second was earned by Rockspring Gold and third was taken by Brooks Run South.

Also in Division 2, Brooks Run South was first place in mine rescue field problems. Kingston White earned first place in first-aid/bench/gas test/written exam as well as smoke problems/firefighting.

The contest also hosted 23 less-experienced mine rescue crews.

“This was a very successful effort for our affiliated mine rescue teams in the most important event of the year," Alpha mine rescue coordinator Rob Asbury said.

“They were put to the test against other elite competitors, but our teams work hard year round preparing for any possible situation. We congratulate them on a job well done.”

MSHA’s sister contest, the National Mine Rescue Contest, was also taken in 2011 by an Alpha team. The Black Mountain White team from southern Kentucky won that event in Columbus, Ohio, last October.