Cherokee Technology Center student Steven Jennings sits by a fountain while sightseeing during a break from participating in the SkillsUSA championships in Kansas City in June. Cherokee Technology Center student Steven Jennings never realized competing could be so much fun until he went to Kansas City June 20-25 for the Skills USA Championships.

When he wasn’t meeting celebrities like race car driver Kurt Busch or spending a free night at an amusement park, Jennings was among 30 state winners involved in the HVACR (Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) national finals June 23 at H. Roe Bartle Hall Municipal Auditorium.

The HVACR contest lasted eight hours to parallel a normal workday. Industry experts judged students on their knowledge and hands-on abilities.

Jennings had to perform jobs such as recommending service and repair, brazing (welding), refrigerant component servicing, air measurement and troubleshooting, electrical troubleshooting, and refrigerant recovery. Industry experts evaluated him on his use of tools and test equipment, speed, accuracy and safety.

Jennings finished 23rd overall despite being the only junior in the contest. He competed against high school seniors who had completed 2-year heating and air conditioning programs at vocational schools.

“I am so proud of this young man. This was the first time a student from Cherokee Technology Center has ever competed in the national finals,” said Andy Dunn, who teaches heating and air conditioning class at Cherokee Technology Center. “He really did quite well while being asked to perform advanced work on refrigerators, air conditioning units and ice makers.”

Jennings received the opportunity to compete when he finished as an alternate in the state competition to Cherokee Technology Center senior Brandon Harris. After a conflict forced Harris to withdraw, Jennings went on to the national HVACR competition.

It was one of 80 occupational and leadership skill events held as part of the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The SkillsUSA Championships is the showcase for the nation’s best career and technical students.

First held in 1968, the event has grown into a multimillion dollar event that occupies a space equivalent to more than 11 football fields.

“Superintendent Dr. Bill James and Cherokee Technology Center Director Page McCraw were so supportive of Steven’s interest in the national competition,” Dunn said. “They arranged for the school district to pay for his flight to Kansas City and other expenses. We are very appreciative for their help.”

Jennings received several heating and air conditioning trade tools just for competing. He was able to make friends with students from other states involved in the national HVACR contest.

There were plenty of activities for Jennings and other students outside the competition.

Busch and professional motorcycle rider Lugg Nutz signed autographs for students at a party held in a courtyard between Bartle Hall auditorium and the Marriott Downtown.

In another activity, Jennings watched a guy named “Hacksaw” use a saw blade to cut a car in half in seven minutes and two seconds.

Jennings and Dunn spent their free day on June 22 seeing the sights around Kansas City.

More than 10,000 people attended the Skills USA awards ceremony on June 24 where Jennings and other contestants were honored for their hard work.