News
Diesel Technology Students Earn SkillsUSA Medals
May 6, 2021
The diesel technology program at Central Community College-Hastings had a good showing in two SkillsUSA state test competitions.
In the ag and construction diesel tech competition, a new competition this year, Jack Samuelson (center) of Hastings took first place while Bailey Switzer (right) of Clay Center took second place and Kaleb Rupprecht (left) of Diller took third place. For being the top finisher, Samuelson received a tap and die set courtesy of the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) and Landmark Implement.
In the truck diesel tech competition, Michael Dahl (right) of Hastings won first place while Jakob Ratliff (left) of Scottsbluff finished in second place.
“We are extremely proud of our students and how well they competed in the SkillsUSA competitions,” said Jeff Bexten, program director. “Our diesel technology SkillsUSA advisers Randy Manning, Dustin McCord and Raece Paulsen did an excellent job in generating excitement for the competition.”
The state competition was held remotely this year after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID.
“The students were glad to see the competition back this year,” said Bexten. “We are all grateful to those who made this year’s competition possible.”
Bexten specifically mentioned Ron Gans of Landmark Implement, Will Rogers of INEDA and Jeff Switzer of the Nebraska Army National Guard for working to bring back the SkillsUSA state competition.