MILFORD, Neb. — Sixteen of Nebraska’s top diesel technicians and four student competitors gathered Thursday, July 16, at Southeast Community College in Milford to compete in the 2026 Nebraska SuperTech competition, a hands-on contest that challenges participants to solve the same complex mechanical and diagnostic problems encountered in today’s repair facilities.
Hosted by the Nebraska Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council, the competition highlights the knowledge and skill required to keep commercial trucks operating safely and efficiently. Competitors earned their place through a qualifying ASE-style written exam in June before advancing to the live competition, where they completed 10 hands-on stations designed around real-world maintenance, diagnostics, inspections, and repair challenges.
Colin Magdanz of Truck Center Companies earned the title of 2026 Nebraska SuperTech Champion. As state champion, he will represent Nebraska at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council National Technician Skills Competitions, held Sept. 20–24 during the TMC 2026 Fall Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tony Kitt of Interstate Power Systems placed second, followed by Sam Eaton of Metropolitan Community College in third.
In the student division, Sam Eaton of Metropolitan Community College claimed first place. Jack Kaslon of Central Community College finished second, and Nathan Elledge of Southeast Community College earned third.
Craig Olney of Truck Center Companies received the First Time Attendee Award, recognizing the highest-finishing competitor participating in Nebraska SuperTech for the first time.
Each competition station tested a different aspect of diesel technician knowledge and hands-on ability, challenging participants to diagnose problems, perform inspections, communicate repairs, and demonstrate the technical skills they use every day. One of this year’s new stations, provided by Interstate Power Systems, focused on diagnosing and troubleshooting modern exhaust aftertreatment systems.
The 10 competition stations and winners included:
- Shop Skills/Welding – Timmin Christian, Inland Truck Parts & Service
- Inspections – Colin Magdanz, Truck Center Companies
- Vehicle Vibration – Sam Eaton, Metropolitan Community College
- Air System – Stephen Mills, RDO Truck Centers
- Precision Measurement – Colin Magdanz, Truck Center Companies
- Engine Diagnostics – Tony Kitt, Interstate Power Systems
- Repair Communication – Craig Olney, Truck Center Companies
- Exhaust Aftertreatments – Jack Kaslon, Central Community College
- Hydraulic – Sam Eaton, Metropolitan Community College
- Electrical – Sam Eaton, Metropolitan Community College
The Nebraska Trucking Association extends its appreciation to Southeast Community College for hosting this year’s competition. Nebraska SuperTech is organized annually by Jerry Wessel of the Nebraska Trucking Association in partnership with the NTA’s Technology & Maintenance Council. The association also thanks the Nebraska State Patrol, volunteers, judges, station sponsors, and industry partners whose support helps make the competition possible each year.
Nebraska SuperTech showcases the expertise and professionalism of diesel technicians while promoting technical careers that are essential to keeping freight moving safely and efficiently across Nebraska and throughout North America.