b'Industry NewsMidwestern and Texas Construction Management Programs Set the Pace 2026 Roofing Alliance Student Competition 2025 First Place winner Texas A&M UniversityThe Roofing Alliance Student Competition has becomeThe final presentations for the 2026 competition will one of the most influential workforce developmenttake place during the International Roofing Expo on experiences in the construction and roofing industries.Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Each year it challenges students from top constructionPST, followed by awards at the NRCA Industry Awards management programs to step into the role of aand Reception.Midwestern and Texas schools have roofing contractor and compete in a real-world projectconsistently demonstrated excellence in the competition, environment. Teams estimate, schedule, plan logistics,making this years event especially exciting for the region. develop safety strategies and deliver a full proposal toCelebrating Midwestern and Texas Excellence in 2025 industry leaders. It is not just a competition. It is a direct pipeline into high-demand construction career paths,First Place: Texas A&M University and Midwestern and Texas universities have emerged asTexas A&M delivered a commanding performance in some of the strongest competitors in the field.the 2025 competition. Represented by team members The student competition is one of our most impactfulJohn Falavolito, Hogan Leftwich, Ryan Kennick, Weston initiatives, said Roofing Alliance President Greg Hudson.Mounce and Grayson Headley, and supported by faculty Not only does it showcase the incredible talent comingadvisor Dr. Zhenyu Zhang and industry mentor Kyle Cahill into our industry, it also strengthens connections betweenof King of Texas Roofing Company, the team showed students, faculty and roofing professionals nationwide.the technical strength and leadership that Aggies are known for. Their first-place finish shows that Texas students For the 2025 to 2026 school year, the featured projectare among the nations most capable future roofing is the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.professionals. Commercial Roofers, Inc. has provided access to drawings and project details, offering students a complexBradley University: A Tradition of Excellence low-slope roof replacement with strict operationalBradley University has long been one of the Midwests requirements. The property is known for its award- consistent contributors to the Roofing Alliance Student winning guest experience, meaning roofing work mustCompetition. Although the 2025 team did not place, be completed with minimal disruption and exceptionaltheir experience reflects the purpose of the competition. coordination. This mirrors the real challenges roofingLed by team captain Uriel de la Torre with teammates contractors face in commercial hospitality environments.Francesco Fricano, Ethan Sountris, Erik Avila and Matthew Teams develop a full written proposal including companyLeazer, Bradley students embraced the opportunity to overview, safety plan, schedule, crew sizing, scopeexpand their roofing knowledge and problem-solving review, logistics plan, quality control plan and detailedskills. They also demonstrated the deep commitment estimate. They then present in person as though they areMidwestern programs have to building construction interviewing for the project. Judges evaluate technicalleaders. accuracy, clarity, teamwork, communication andWhy Midwestern and Texas Schools Matter in 2026 professionalism.Midwestern and Texas universities are known for producing Continued on page 22www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 21'