NEBRASKA – First-time Nebraska SuperTech competitor Travis McCool of RDO Truck Center in Omaha took the top spot in the Nebraska Trucking Association SuperTech competition July 18. The 24-year diesel technician said he’s honored to represent Nebraska.
“The challenges were pretty tough,” McCool said. “So, I was surprised to win. It’s great.” McCool, a 24-year technician, and his wife, Theresa have two daughters, Alexandria and Genevieve. More than 80 SuperTech competitors registered to take the qualifying online, ASE-style test. The top 16 from the online test advanced to the hands-on skill stations final round hosted by Central Community College in Hastings July 18. Most hands-on challenges change every year. After the competition, judges gather competitors to complement skills and provide feedback on areas for improvement.
Four students were chosen from Nebraska community colleges as well. As the Nebraska 2019 SuperTech winner, McCool will receive transportation and lodging to represent Nebraska at the National SuperTech competition in Raleigh, N.C. Sept. 15.
SuperTech was developed to advance career education and worker competency in transportation, distribution and logistics. Showcasing the proficiency of commercial vehicle technicians highlights the field as a career that’s important to Nebraska’s growth as a North American distribution hub.
Overall Winners
- Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha
- Morgan Barnes, Truck Center Companies – Norfolk
- Tim Blake, Truck Center Companies – Columbus
Rookie Winner
Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha
Student Winners
- Treston Ketelsen, Metro Community College
- Trenton Meyer, Southeast Community College
- Tanner Knight, Northeast Community College
Station Winners
- Air Brakes – Morgan Barnes, Truck Center Companies- Norfolk
- Vehicle Inspection – Morgan Barnes, Truck Center Companies- Norfolk
- Electrical – Brian Klecan, NMC- Lincoln
- Detroit Engine – Grady Martin, Interstate Power Systems- Omaha
- Power Steering – Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha
- Shop Skills – Brian Klecan, NMC- Lincoln
- Tires – Brett Heitman, Werner Enterprises – Louisville
- Precision Measurement – Geoffrey Novak, Interstate Power Systems- Omaha
- Cummins Engine – Tim Blake, Truck Center Companies – Columbus
- Drive Train – Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha
Winner of the $100 drawing held for contestants was Mike Vails.
Thanks to our SuperTech judges
- Air brakes – Randy Polak and Jack Friesen
- Vehicle Inspection – Sgt. Jay Human and Trooper Matt Adams
- Electrical – Andrew Schiessl and Randy Haines
- Detroit Engine – Nate Schreiner and Jason Capps
- Power Steering – Bill McKay and Tony Milenkovich
- Shop Skills – Matt Wagg and Corey Lang
- Tires – Mark St. Aubin and Mike Hanner
- Precision Measurement – Ian Dunn and Nolan Reed
- Cummins Engine – Kevin Bertsch and Karlon Knuth
- Drive Train – Mike Hollst and Ross Welton
Thanks to SuperTech sponsors
- Bosselman Boss Shop
- Crete Carrier
- Cummins Sales and Service
- Hunt Transportation
- Interstate Power Systems
- Inland Truck Parts & Service
- Midwest Peterbilt Group
- MHC Kenworth
- Metropolitan Community College
- Nebraska Trucking Association
- Nebraska Truck Center Inc.
- Northeast Community College
- RDO Truck Center
- Southeast Community College
- Truck Center Companies
Scoring
Jerry Hoefer, Jim Walsh, and Jerry Wessel