ISU Students Shine at SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference

Leading the charge, the college's Diesel/On-Site Power Generation Technology program students made their mark with one of their best finishes in years.

Andy Simonson, Soren Ochsner, and Caleb Cramer dominated the Diesel Equipment Technology contest, clinching the gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively.

“This was my first time going there, and it was definitely a really good experience for me, being able to kind of gauge where I'm at in the industry,” said Simonson. “We had a written test and then hands-on tests in the shop where we were split into groups and did different sections at a time. It was a really good opportunity to learn, working closely with teammates and industry professionals. Honestly, winning was surprising, but looking back, it feels pretty cool.”

Additionally, Cole Rindlisbaker showcased his prowess in the Heavy Equipment Operation Demo contest, winning a gold medal. Rindlisbaker's victory wasn’t just a win; it was a personal validation of skills honed from a lifetime of experience. Coming from a background in farming, Rindlisbaker has always been more at home with heavy machinery than on the sports field, which he also enjoyed during his high school years. His approach to the competition was methodical, respecting the pace and precision required, akin to the sportsmanship and humility he practiced in athletics.

“I wasn’t really planning on going to the competition at first,” Rindlisbaker said.  “But I decided, why not? It turned out to be pretty fun and a lot different than what I was expecting. We operated a variety of equipment, some of which I was familiar with, so I felt pretty confident. It wasn’t just about speed but about precision, which really played to my strengths. From playing sports, I’ve learned to show respect to your fellow competitors, so I tried to stay humble, but I was definitely on cloud nine.”

The success of the Diesel/On-Site Power Generation Technology program at the state conference is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and the faculty members who have supported them every step of the way. It's a proud moment for the ISU College of Technology as these achievements not only showcase individual talents but also highlight the collaborative spirit and the conducive learning environment the college fosters.

"We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding performance at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference," said Jerry Anhorn, Dean of the College of Technology. "Their success in these competitions will help launch their careers and serves as a testament to the hands-on, practical education provided at the College of Technology. As they advance to the National Championships, we wish them the very best of luck and are confident they will continue to demonstrate the exceptional quality of their training and skills."

While the Diesel Technology Program students garnered significant attention, the accomplishments of other programs at the ISU College of Technology are also noteworthy. The Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, and Robotics and Communications Systems Engineering Technology programs made their mark by securing notable placements in their respective contests.

• Victoria Alexander, silver medal - Automotive Refinishing Technology Competition
• Thomas Krause, silver medal - Collision Repair Technology Competition
• Autumn Battson, silver medal - Collision Damage Appraisal Competition
• Wiley Turek, bronze medal - Collision Damage Appraisal Competition
• Nikolai Cummings, gold medal - Aviation Maintenance Technology Competition (high school)
• Jonny Miles, gold medal - Aviation Maintenance Technology Competition (postsecondary)
• Nolan Bitners, silver medal - Aviation Maintenance Technology Competition (postsecondary)
• Sam Sanchez, bronze medal - Aviation Maintenance Technology Competition (postsecondary)
• Josh Makuch, gold medal - Electronics Technology Competition (Robotics)
• Baden Brenner, silver medal - Electronics Technology Competition (Robotics)

Furthermore, the Automotive Technology program, though not placing this year, demonstrated commendable performance and sportsmanship, embodying the true spirit of competition and learning.

Five outstanding students from the College of Technology are now preparing for the National SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, this June. This group includes all the gold medal winners from the Diesel Equipment Technology, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, and Robotics programs. Notably, Miles, who won a gold in Aircraft Maintenance, cannot attend and will be replaced by Bitner. These talented students are poised to demonstrate their expertise and compete at the highest level in their respective fields. Their journey continues to inspire and motivate, highlighting the impact of dedication, skill, and the pursuit of excellence.