11/16/12 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- Technology Education Collegiate Association at Fort Hays State University won first-place in manufacturing, teaching lesson, problem solving and technology challenge at the annual Four State Regional Technology Conference in Pittsburg.

"Our students had the opportunity for networking, teambuilding and leadership," said Kim Stewart, associate professor and interim chair of the Department of Technology Studies . "We also had the chance to tour Depco Inc., a curriculum and educational equipment development center."

They competed against the University of Wyoming-Casper, the University of Arkansas, Fay, and Pittsburg State University in various events including manufacturing, problem solving, live communications and technical presentation.

TECA also won second-place honors in the live communication event and third place in the transportation contest.

This competition is a prelude to the national spring conference of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The national conference is in Columbus, Ohio, in the spring.

"The conference has several benefits to our students," said Stewart. "They get a chance to network with schools and businesses and represent FHSU and our department through camaraderie with those who are like minded."

Students who attended the conference are listed by hometown and classification.

Amarillo, Texas: Brittney Shea, senior.

Atwood: Max Kisner, junior.

Garden Plain: Cody Fisher, senior; Adam Wells, junior; and Chris Wilson, senior.

Natoma: Cameron Eickhoff, sophomore.

Pratt: Zach Pixler, senior.

Rush Center: Jacob Keener, junior.

Ulysses: Jose Ibarra, sophomore.