Chippewa Valley Times

A UW-Stout team of construction management students recently made a mark in the national arena, securing the second-place trophy in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Final Four competition held in Orlando. Hans Stelpflug, a senior team member, expressed pride in their accomplishment, stating, "This was a huge accomplishment by the team. We were up against some tough competition, and the work our team put in over the seven months was evident."

The team, along with Associate Professor Dean Wirtanen, competed against top-tier universities and presented a detailed proposal for a real project at the Kansas City Zoo. Despite not clinching the top spot, team member Jacob Kallas shared his gratitude for the experience, saying, "I'm completely overjoyed by the experience I received, both in completing the actual proposal and attending the conference."

Reflecting on their success, Stelpflug highlighted the importance of teamwork and real-world experience gained through UW-Stout's Cooperative Education and Internship Program. The team's dedication and preparation paid off as they impressed the judges with their innovative solutions and detailed presentations.

Additionally, the team received $5,000 towards their education expenses and had the opportunity to meet NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, who presented them with signed footballs. Stelpflug was honored with the tournament MVP award for his outstanding presentation skills.

Looking ahead, the UW-Stout team aims to share their knowledge and experiences with other members of the student chapter to pave the way for future success in the MCAA competition. Kallas emphasized the importance of learning from teammates and expanding one's skills in the construction industry.

In another competition sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a separate UW-Stout team secured first place in the estimating division for a project at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. The team's strong coordination and response to judges' questions helped them secure eighth place overall out of 25 teams from across the U.S.

Jeremy O'Connor, a member of the ABC competition team, praised the team's efficiency and ingenuity in tackling the challenges they faced during the competition. O'Connor noted the team's improvement from the previous year and highlighted the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.

Both teams from UW-Stout showcased their skills, knowledge, and dedication in these prestigious competitions, bringing honor to the university and solidifying their reputation as top contenders in the field of construction management.