10/30/13 jgm
The Technology Education Collegiate Association at Fort Hays State University received two first-place finishes at the 76th International Technology and Engineering Educators Association's Regional Conference and TECA contests in Branson, Mo.

"We had a great showing at this year's regional conference," said Eric Deneault, assistant professor of applied technology and TECA faculty advisor. "We placed in two of the six contests, took two regional champions and a couple of fourth-place finishes."

The Robotics Team, made up of Mason Younger, Cole Studer and Jacob Keener won the Regional Robotics Championship.

The Manufacturing Team, consisting of Adam Wells, Chase Berg, Daniel Honas, Kellan Ziegelmeier, Mason Younger and Ross Addison, also placed first.

Two problem-solving teams competed, creating an "Angry Birds Launcher" that ended up placing just outside the top three. Two technology challenge teams also placed fourth.

Eighteen schools from all parts of the country were represented at this year's conference.

This competition is a prelude to the national spring conference of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.

Fifteen TECA students represented FHSU. Students who attended the conference and competed in the contests are listed by hometown, classification, major and team. ZIP codes are included for the convenience of papers that use them to guide placement.

Atwood (67730): Cole Studer, freshman, technology studies, Robotics Team, Problem Solving Team B, Technology Challenge Team A.
Cimarron (67835): Ross Addison, senior, technology studies (technology education), Manufacturing Team, Problem Solving Team A.
Clearwater (67026): McLain Whalen, sophomore, technology studies (industrial technology), Technology Challenge Team A.
Colby (67701): Kellan Ziegelmeier, sophomore, technology studies, Manufacturing Team.
Ellis (67637): Daniel Honas, sophomore, technology studies, Manufacturing Team, Technology Challenge Team B.
Garden Plain (67050): Adam Wells, senior, technology studies, Manufacturing Team, Problem Solving Team A, Technology Challenge Team A.
Gem (67734) Chase Berg, sophomore, technology studies, Manufacturing Team, Technology Challenge Team B.
Hays (67601): Mason Younger, senior, computer science, Robotics Team, Manufacturing Team, Problem Solving Team A, Technology Challenge Team A.
McPherson (67460) Aaron Elsasser, freshman, technology studies, Problem Solving Team B.
Otis (67565): Samuel Higgason, freshman, technology studies (industrial technology), Technology Challenge Team B.
Rush Center (67575): Jacob Keener, senior, technology studies, Robotics Team, Problem Solving Team B.
Scott City (67871): Keith "Conrad" Kough, sophomore, technology studies (industrial technology), Problem Solving Team B.
St. Marys (66536): Wyatt Kolde, freshman, technology studies, Problem Solving Team B.
Ulysses (67880): Jose "Pepe" Ibarra, junior, technology studies (industrial technology), Problem Solving Team A, Technology Challenge Team B.
WaKeeney (67672): Blake Fritts, sophomore, technology studies (industrial technology), Problem Solving Team A.