The Bailey College of Engineering and Technology’s Construction Management program is celebrating a major achievement as a team of construction management students brought the national championship in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Student Chapter Competition to Indiana State University.
The winning team – Braidyn Hudson, Preston McDonald, Ethan Mills, Zack Pieper, Gavin Weiss, and Sebastian Wade – rose to the top of a highly competitive field that included 38 teams from across the country. After an initial round of judging, Indiana State advanced to the final four alongside Missouri State, Chico State, and Cal Poly. The Sycamores ultimately claimed the national title following the final round of competition.
In addition to the team’s first-place finish, Braidyn Hudson was recognized individually as the competition’s MVP Presenter, highlighting the group’s strong communication and presentation skills.
The team’s success reflects not only student talent, but also the strength of Indiana State’s hands-on approach to construction management education. Faculty advisor Bo McNabb and industry advisory board member Lloyd Presley played key roles in mentoring and guiding the students throughout the competition process.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, preparation, and professionalism of our students,” McNabb said. “They represented Indiana State at the highest level on a national stage.”
The MCAA Student Chapter Competition is designed to challenge students with real-world construction management scenarios, requiring them to apply technical knowledge, problem-solving, and teamwork under pressure.
With this national championship, Indiana State University continues to demonstrate the quality and competitiveness of its Construction Management program—preparing students to excel in the industry and lead in their field.