2016 SkillsUSA National Masonry Competition Winners Announced

Words: Dan KamysThe winners of the 2016 SkillsUSA national masonry competition were announced on June 24 at the 52nd annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky. More than 6,000 career and technical education (CTE) secondary and post-secondary students competed in 100 different craft, technical and leadership fields as part of the SkillsUSA Championships. 2016 marked the fourth year that NCCER has sponsored the national masonry competition. Masonry Technical Committee Chair Bill Kjorlien of Argos USA led the organization of this year's event. In the masonry competition, high school winners included: Kelby Thornton of Concord, N.C. (gold); Benjamin Gibson of Ravenna, Ohio (silver); and Mack Odell of Fort Scott, Kan. (bronze). Post-secondary winners were Cody Harrison of Mount Pleasant, N.C. (gold); Cody Palmer of Media, Pa. (silver); and Trevor Huntley of Wellsville, N.Y. (bronze). Almost 50 contestants constructed projects composed of brick and block set on a concrete block base. Contestants received detailed drawings to which they were expected to closely adhere to while building their masonry projects. Winners were decided based on the combined results of a written exam and evaluation of the competition project by a panel of journey-level judges. Technical committees made up of industry representatives tested the skills needed for successful entry-level performance as a mason. Safety practices and procedures were also judged as a component of each contestant's overall score. The 2016 national technical committee for masonry included the following members: Bryan Light, Brick Industry Association; Dan Belcher, NCCER; Nick Blohowiak, SPEC MIX, Inc.; John Bongiovanni, Bon Tool Co.; Jeff Buczkiewicz, Mason Contractors Association of America; Brian Carney, SPEC MIX, Inc.; Rolly Cox, Multiquip Corp.; Jason Thompson, National Concrete Masonry Association; Kim Haley, Marshalltown Co.; Peter Kiley, Oldcastle Architectural; Ray Leonhard, Brick Industry Association; and Bob Melton, Masonry Institute of Tennessee. A national education team also assisted the masonry national technical committee. Members included Al Herndon, Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation; Todd Larson, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College; Richard McKnight; and Richard Nagy. NCCER, which also sponsored the SkillsUSA carpentry competition for the seventh year in a row, is proud to recognize the winners of both competitions. Visit www.nccer.org or www.skillsusa.org to learn more.
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More
A Legacy of Inspiration: Lynda Spina, CFO retires from STABILA North America
April 2026

After almost 30 years of dedicated service, Lynda Spina is retiring from her role as Chief Financial Officer of STABILA North America, closing an extraordinary chapter defined by steady leadership, financial discipline, and lasting impact.

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More
Masonry in the Media: The Alamo, The Merchandise Mart, & More
April 2026

The scenery of films and TV shows alike is often a crucial yet underrated detail that can ultimately make or break a scene. In these American-made structures, take a look at how these movies and shows transformed iconic masonry buildings into the perfect

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More
Announcing The Daily Digest From The MCAA
April 2026

Pay attention to your inbox starting Wednesday, April 8th. The MCAA is pleased to announce The Daily Digest, a selection of masonry news from around the world delivered right to you. “I receive daily emails from several news sou

Dan Kamys
Industry News
Read More