A waterpark project in Florida helped Missouri State University construction management and interior design students prove they can compete with the best in the nation.

A team of students finished in the top four at the 2026 Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Student Chapter Competition. It is part of the MCAA Annual Convention, which took place March 15-19 in Phoenix, Arizona, this year.

The team comprised:

• Gustavo Bateman, senior
• Will Blaine, junior
• Macey Chaney, senior
• Mya Duke, sophomore
• Hayden Fane, graduate student
• Jeremiah Fincher, senior
• Jessica Greenland, senior
• Landon Haight, senior
• Giovani Lemus, senior
• Connor Lee, senior
• Drake Lightfoot, senior
• Avery Myers, junior
• Aidan Pennington, junior
• Jack Sullentrup, senior
• Joey Weaver, senior

The achievement gave several team members the opportunity to present their proposal before about 1,200 convention attendees.

This annual event brings together mechanical contracting professionals, industry leaders and students from across the country for networking, professional development and one of the industry’s premier student competitions.

A year-long challenge

The competition challenges students to solve a real-world mechanical contracting problem. This year, teams from 30 universities developed proposals for the mechanical scope of a water park project in Naples, Florida. Students created comprehensive plans that included estimating, scheduling, labor planning, project management, safety and risk analysis.

“The students had to make practical decisions and then explain those decisions in a way that was clear, professional and defensible,” said Dustin Steiro, clinical assistant professor of technology and construction management.

Fincher helped develop the project’s detailed estimate using material and labor rates provided by MCAA and industry partners.

According to him, success required months of coordination to ensure every section of the team’s 55-page proposal aligned. Small inconsistencies could mean the difference between winning and losing.

Earning a spot on the national stage

After submitting its proposal, the Missouri State team earned a spot among the nation’s top four teams.

“I felt a sense of euphoria because I knew this was our time to shine,” Fincher said. “This was about conquering the next challenge, and I was ready for it.”

The team immediately shifted its focus to preparing a 10-minute presentation. Students spent weeks refining slides, practicing delivery and gathering feedback from faculty, classmates and industry professionals.

What impressed Sterio most was the team’s willingness to embrace the challenge.

“The students were prepared, disciplined and willing to work through the difficult details that separate a good proposal from a nationally competitive one.”

Preparing future industry leaders

Beyond the competition, students attended educational sessions and networked with contractors and industry leaders from across the country.

Fincher said one of the biggest takeaways was realizing that successful industry leaders are approachable and eager to support the next generation of professionals.

Steiro believes experiences like this help students connect classroom concepts with real project decision-making while building confidence and professional networks.

“Watching students walk onto a national stage in front of hundreds of industry professionals and present with confidence was incredible,” he said.

The team’s success was supported by partnerships with MCAA, the MCA of Greater Springfield and the MCA of Kansas City. These organizations provide mentorship, industry connections and opportunities for students throughout their education.

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