Twelve Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering students participated in regional and national open competitions held at the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 3 Conference at Downers Grove in mid-October.
The SIUE Department of Construction students took part in two team competitions: the preconstruction competition and the heavy civil competition. The SIUE preconstruction team was awarded third place after California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Pepper Construction sponsored the preconstruction challenge, which focused on preconstruction responsibilities including risk assessment, conceptual estimating, schedule development and logistics planning for a $30-40 million professional office building and training center.
“Our students prepared and explained their schedule thoroughly, and demonstrated excellent coordination and communication skills throughout the process,” said Chris Gordon, associate dean of the SIUE School of Engineering and chair of the Department of Construction.
SIUE’s reconstruction team consisted of: senior Thomas Parker of Edwardsville, senior Andrew Veliz of Belleville, senior Michael Trobaugh of Highland, senior Bryon Graminksi of Collinsville, junior Mason Musick of Lincoln, and senior Zachary Carlson of Quincy.
Douglas Degen, a faculty observer from Ohio Northern University said, “The SIUE team rocked with their ability to communicate their schedule and team commitment to the project.”
Walsh Construction sponsored the regional heavy civil competition which required demonstrating competence in estimating, scheduling, safety and quality planning, and site logistics for a bridge and roadway project.
SIUE’s heavy civil team members included: senior Avery Mason of Paris, senior Mike Van de Veer of East Peoria, junior Jared Kraus of Freeburg, sophomore Jacob Eilers of Breese, junior Chad Kolmer of Breese and senior Ethan Zachman of Germantown Hills.
The challenge was open to all ASC member programs, and included 12 competing schools from Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, California and Texas.
Photo: A Pepper Construction representative (far left) presents the third place award to SIUE preconstruction team members (second from left to right) Tom Parker, Mike Trobaugh, Mason Musick, Bryon Graminski, Zach Carlson and Andrew Veliz.