Diesel students dominate at skills competition
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WAHPETON -- Diesel Technology students from the North Dakota State College of Science captured the top four spots in the student division at the 2025 Colorado TopTech Skills Competition, winning 12 out of 14 competitive stations.
Held April 12 at the Lincoln Tech campus in Denver and hosted by the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the TopTech competition tested the skills of diesel technicians through a series of rigorous written and hands-on challenges, including diagnostics in brakes, electrical systems and preventative maintenance.
Curtis Sauer of Minot finished fourth behind teammates Tyler Sandberg, Bemidji, Minnesota, first; Zale Bushlack, New Richland, Minnesota, second; and Nathan Olson, Moorhead, Minnesota, third. Sandberg was named the top student technician and qualified to compete at the national level in Raleigh, North Carolina, this September.
Judges noted this year's NDSCS scores were among the highest ever recorded in the competition's history.
The competition drew praise from industry professionals for the exceptional preparation and professionalism displayed by all NDSCS participants, according to an NDSCS news release. Notably, one of the top scorers was a first-year student -- an impressive feat in a field dominated by experienced competitors.
The Colorado TopTech Skills Competition is one of the premier diesel skills events in the region.