Allen Stenzel of Bellwood won first place in mechatronics at the SkillsUSA Championships.

(Columbus, Neb.) - Central Community College-Columbus student Allen Stenzel of Bellwood won first place in mechatronics at the SkillsUSA Championships, which were held during the SkillsUSA-VICA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo., in late June. He was one of more than 4,000 students who competed in 73 different contests. He competed in the postsecondary division of mechatronics, with oral, written and hands-on challenges in electrical, mechanical, fluid power, plant auxiliary systems and comprehensive sections. His win qualifies him to compete in the World Skills competition set for June 2003 in Switzerland.

Stenzel works in maintenance at Camaco LLC of Columbus, which paid him while he trained for and attended the national competition. He also is taking classes through the CCC-Columbus business and industry training department. Electronics technology instructor Todd Bosak and machine tool technology instructor Leon Finecy helped him prepare for the contest by running simulations on the college's equipment. Stenzel is a 2001 graduate of CCC-Columbus with a degree in industrial technology and a 1999 graduate of Monroe High School. His fiancé is Tara Hough, and he has two sons. He is the son of Mel and Cec Stenzel of Monroe.

For additional information contact: Doug Pauley (402) 562-1280 or 1-800-642-1083

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