The Roofing Alliance selected a team from University of Florida, Gainesville, as the first-place winner of its 10th anniversary construction management student competition after hearing oral presentations from the finalist teams Feb. 7 during the 2024 International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas. Winners were announced during the NRCA 2024 Industry Awards Ceremony Feb. 7 in Las Vegas.
Members of the winning team were Nick Hanson (team captain), Rachel Deal, Grayson Johnston, Davis Lunger and Will Eison (team alternate).
The team from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, placed second in the competition. Team members were William Macguire (team captain), Caleb Borton, Ryan Schmick, Carson Stevens and Dennis Sispera (team alternate).
The teams from Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., and Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., tied for third place in the competition. Team members for Auburn University were Mary Madalyn Massengale (team captain), Jack Armstrong, Kyle Shaull, Arjun Varadhan and Braxton Bauer (team alternate). Team members for Bradley University were Adam Wascher (team captain), Attilio Levato, Tyler Pilon, Tadgh S. Spillane and Uriel De La Torre (team alternate).
Additionally, Nick Hanson from University of Florida received the first-place award for Best Individual Student Presenter, and John Falavolito from Texas A&M University, College Station, received the second-place award for Best Individual Student Presenter.
Ten teams competed in the student competition, and five were selected as finalists to present live at IRE. The five finalist teams were: Auburn University, Bradley University, Colorado State University, Texas A&M University and University of Florida.
This year, the teams were tasked with submitting a qualified bid package for a new roof system on the Formula 1 Paddock Building in Las Vegas. Teams researched the chosen project; submitted a qualified bid package proposal; and provided an oral presentation to illustrate their roofing, project management, estimating and safety knowledge.
The first-place team received a team trophy, a $5,000 L.B. Conway scholarship for its school and individual awards. The second-place team received a team trophy, a $2,500 Fred Good scholarship for their school and individual awards. The third-place team received a team trophy, a $1,000 scholarship for their school and individual awards.
The first-place Best Individual Student Presenter received a $300 gift card, and the second-place Best Individual Student Presenter received a $200 gift card.
The Roofing Alliance’s 11th construction management student competition will be held Feb. 20, 2025, during the IRE in San Antonio.
For more information about the Roofing Alliance student competition, contact Jessica Priske, the Roofing Alliance’s director, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7517 or jpriske@nrca.net.
