Education
Montana Tech Heavy Civil Team Brings Home 3rd Place Trophy
The university's AGC Club's Heavy Civil team placed 3rd. The team included six juniors/seniors studying a combination of civil engineering and construction management who competed last year and placed 2nd. The team trained through the fall semester learning various methods to construct heavy civil projects. The team members have diverse construction experiences through summer internships and family businesses. The competition included 15 teams from universities in the Rocky Mountain region, including Montana State, Colorado State, Northern University of Arizona, Brigham Young University, and the University of Alaska. The Montana Tech team included Colton Eliason, Logan Kolodejchuk, Archie Lind, Brock MacDonald, George Shick (captain), and Brent Tezak. The team was given the Kiewit-sponsored problem of preparing a large container yard in Hawaii. The problem included designing a dewatering system, managing contaminated soils, surcharging weak materials, and developing a complex paving plan.
The second Montana Tech team competed in the preconstruction category. This open category saw competition from 11+/- universities across the United States, such as the University of California/Berkeley, San Diego State University, University of Washington, California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Clarkson University. Montana Tech has competed in this category several times in the past with very solid performances. Team members included Seif Benjemia (captain), Andruw Brester, Mac Hauck, Chase Hinckley, Jade Morast, and Cael Ricci. The team members are studying civil engineering or construction management. This team, comprised of sophomores and juniors, brought their summer internship experience and coursework to the table. None of these members have before. The team enjoyed the PCL Construction-sponsored problem, and each gained valuable career experience.
Montana Tech had three alternates competing in the 'Alternate Competition.' Alternates compete on teams comprised of students from across the county. Rudolph & Sletten sponsors this competition to challenge the students to work in a hands-on, fast-paced, diverse problem. This category is a great way to introduce students to the completion. This year's alternates were Brandon Quinn, Justus Peterson, and Thomas Walkup. Brandon Quinn's team placed 2nd in this competition.
AGC Club Advisor, Sonya Rosenthal, recognizes these students' commitment to the program this year. It has been a complex year in making sure the teams could safely meet to train for the competition. Several construction companies provided support and training exercises – kudos to all those who assisted the club during these trying times. "Our students gave a level of commitment that sets a new standard for the club. They are committed to their education and experiences representing Montana Tech. This competition experience will provide each of them with more confidence and knowledge in their career."
If you are interested in learning more about the competition, go to www.asc67.org.
