Despite challenging weather conditions, SCTCC had a great showing at the Minnesota SkillsUSA competition. College and high school students from across the state gathered at several locations to demonstrate their leadership and technical skills, competing in more than 80 categories. SCTCC was well represented with seven students placing in the top three in their respective competitions.
Auto Body students Spencer Doran and Tayden Christians came away with 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the Collision Repair Technology category. The Auto Body Competition was held at the SCTCC campus with numerous people stepping up to make the day a success.
“It was a cool experience,” said Christians, “and fun regardless of placement, as I love truck restoration.”
“Our SCTCC Auto Body faculty and staff rose to the occasion and hosted the competition here on our campus, ensuring that not just our own students, but all state-qualifying students across the entire state would have the opportunity to compete,” said Dean of Trades & Industry, Steve Hoemberg. “Kudos to our own SCTCC facilities staff who went above and beyond as well by arriving early Saturday morning to clear the previous night’s heavy snowfall ahead of teams arriving.”
From the Electrical Construction program, SCTCC students volunteered the day before to assist with building the walls needed for the Electrical Construction Wiring and Industrial Motor Control competition. Instructor Craig Fischer shared, “A 20-minute drive turned into 40-minute adventure, and the students got a lesson on how to push a minivan out of a snow drift. I am very proud of my students—they never quit!” After navigating the additional weather challenges and arriving at the competition, Kody Alickson snagged 2nd place.
Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration students claimed the top two spots on the podium, with Carson Richter placing 1st and Andrew Nieland placing 2nd. Again noting the additional challenges of weather, instructor Randy Kidder said that he “was very proud of my students for the hard work they did in preparing for competition.”
After the SCTCC Medium/Heavy Truck contingent arrived at the competition location, they learned there was no power, lights, or heat due to the storm. “Due to our resourceful and resilient industry, volunteers and judges pulled up their service trucks and used their generators, air compressors, and flashlights to make this all happen for the 48 competitors that day,” said instructor Matt Hoepner.
Josiah Carlson placed 1st in the high school competition, and Tagen Zepeda placed 3rd in the college category. Zepeda said of the experience, “It was eye opening and humbling!”
Both Carlson and Zepeda talked about how the support and effort of industry partners made the competitors feel appreciated.
President Lori Kloos voiced her support of both the students competing and the staff and instructors supporting them: “I am continuously impressed by, and in awe of, our students' accomplishments due to the support of passionate and dedicated faculty and staff [who serve as] shining examples of the power of people coming together, demonstrating grit and resiliency, to ensure our students receive our very best.”
Carlson and Richter are eligible to attend the National Leadership & Skills Conference June 19-23 in Atlanta, Ga. During the national competition, competitors will be able to prove their expertise and showcase their skills. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry to ensure a skilled workforce and to help each student excel in their chosen field.
Edit: As of April 13, Spencer Doran, who placed in the Auto Body Collision Technology category, will be attending the National Conference after the first-place winner declined to attend.