Kaskaskia College Hosts Successful 2026 High School Welding Competition

The Kaskaskia College Welding Program recently hosted its 2026 Annual High School Welding Competition at the Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center, welcoming 51 skilled student welders from across the region for three days of hands-on competition.

Students representing Salem, Nashville, Okawville, New Approach, Odin, Sandoval, Mulberry Grove, Carlyle, Breese Central, Centralia, and Greenville High Schools participated in the annual event, demonstrating their welding knowledge and technical abilities in a competitive setting designed to highlight the growing importance of skilled trades. The competition was organized by Kaskaskia College Welding Professor Cory Wellen, with judging taking place March 9-11.

"We had an outstanding group of competitors this year," said Cory Wellen, Kaskaskia College Welding Professor. "It's always exciting to see students come into the lab, challenge themselves, and show the skills they've been developing. The talent and dedication these students bring to the competition really shows how bright the future of the skilled trades is."

Participants competed for tools, equipment, and scholarships to the Kaskaskia College Welding Program. Thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, six scholarships totaling 40 credit hours were awarded to outstanding competitors.

Top finishers in the 2026 High School Welding Competition included:

• 1st Place: Alex Mann, Greenville High School
• 2nd Place: Easton Garner, Sandoval High School
• 3rd Place: Maverick Danback, Carlyle High School
• 4th Place: Tucker Spratt, Greenville High School
• 5th Place: Ben Wangler, Centralia High School

Kaskaskia College extends special thanks to the industry professionals who served as judges for this year's competition: Ricardo Romo of Intermountain Electronics, Mike English of EFI Solutions, and Kevin Stewart of Boilermakers Union Local 363.

The annual KC High School Welding Competition provides students with the opportunity to showcase their talents while connecting them with real-world career pathways in high-demand fields. Through hands-on training and partnerships with regional employers, Kaskaskia College continues to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Kaskaskia College thanks all participating schools, judges, and the 51 student competitors whose dedication and craftsmanship made this year's competition a tremendous success. The Kaskaskia College Welding Program would also like to thank the sponsors who helped make the 2026 High School Welding Competition possible: Buchheit of Centralia; TDK Consulting, Inc.; EFI Solutions; Intermountain Electronics; CK Supply; Stumpf Welding Supplies; CMF; Ironworkers Local 392; Conagra; Sheet Metal Workers Local 268; Gateway Sales and Solutions; Lincoln Electric; Velocity Metalworks; Bettendorf Standard; Americana Outdoors; and Boilermakers Union Local 363.