Back To The Rosendin Press Room

Rosendin Recognizes Construction Competition Winning Teams

The nation’s top university students compete to tackle a mission-critical electrical problem

• Texas A&M University wins 2026 electrical problem focused on data center construction
• 14 student teams competed in a data center tenant fit-out scenario
• Competition connects top construction students with growing companies hiring next-generation leaders

SPARKS, Nev. (February 9, 2026) — Rosendin Electric Inc., the nation’s largest employee-owned electrical contractor, recognizes Texas A&M University as the winner of the 2026 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Regions 6 & 7 Student Competition’s Electrical Problem held in Sparks, Nevada, from February 4 to 7. As the electrical sponsor, Rosendin developed a real-world data center scenario that challenged 14 student teams to plan the design, build, and budget for a tenant fit-out inside an active data center facility.

Texas A&M University won first place by showcasing expertise in mission-critical construction challenges, including pricing verification, long-lead equipment planning, and commissioning activities. The student team from Iowa State University secured second place, and third place went to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The ASC’s annual competition attracts top construction and engineering students from 60+ universities, connecting them with growing companies that are hiring the next generation of leaders.

“This competition bridges the gap between classroom theory and application, encouraging students’ development, while allowing our teams to identify those who can handle the challenges that define our industry,” said Brandon Stephens, Rosendin Senior Vice President and ASC Electrical Problem Judge. “We’re not just evaluating technical competency. We’re identifying future leaders who can think critically under pressure and adapt to the rapid changes transforming our sector.”

The event provides networking opportunities and serves as a direct recruiting pipeline for Rosendin, which actively seeks emerging talent through industry partnerships and educational initiatives as the company experiences tremendous growth in data center work. Participants who demonstrate exceptional performance often receive internship offers and full-time positions after graduation, joining comprehensive training programs that have developed thousands of skilled professionals over the company’s 100+ year history.

“The level of talent we see at this competition reinforces why we invest so heavily in these partnerships,” said Mark Stone, Rosendin Division Manager and ASC Electrical Problem Judge. “We hire directly from these events because we see firsthand which students can manage complex projects and lead diverse teams. The students competing today will fill critical roles in our expanding operations, from field engineers to project executives, as we continue hiring across all our regional offices.”

Participants of the electrical problem had to navigate the complexities of data center construction, including existing infrastructure, security protocols, and labor productivity forecasting. Teams also had to address cost control elements such as time and material reconciliation, acceleration of scope, change management, and cost forecasting within an active facility environment.

“What impressed us most was how these teams adapted their strategies in real-time as we introduced new variables,” said Rob Clark, Rosendin Senior Project Manager and ASC Electrical Problem Judge. “They demonstrated the kind of flexible thinking and collaborative approach that drives success on our most demanding projects.”

The competition brought together over 1,900 construction and engineering students to compete in 17 categories, including Integrated Projects, Virtual Design and Construction, Sustainable Building, Preconstruction, and Project Management. Rosendin’s judging panel for the electrical problem also included Director of Reconstruction Tom Hughes, Division Manager Tammi Rapozo, Operations Manager Jenica Bixler, Sr. Learning & Development Manager Jeremy Schaefer, Project Manager II Matthew Cinelli, Project Manager I Jose Guerrero, and Assistant Project Manager Heather Sailor.

Who won the 2026 ASC electrical competition?
Texas A&M University won first place in the 2026 Associated Schools of Construction Regions 6 & 7 Student Competition’s Electrical Problem. Rosendin Electric Inc. served as the electrical sponsor and developed the real-world data center scenario for the competition held in Sparks, Nevada, from February 4 to 7.

How many teams competed in 2026 ASC electrical competition?
14 student teams competed in Rosendin’s electrical problem focused on data center construction. The teams had to plan the design, build, and budget for a tenant fit-out inside an active data center facility.

What problem did Rosendin create for the 2026 ASC competition?
Rosendin developed a real-world data center scenario for the ASC electrical problem, where student teams had to plan a tenant fit-out inside an active data center facility. As the electrical sponsor, Rosendin challenged teams to address pricing verification, long-lead equipment planning, and commissioning activities.

Who placed second and third in the 2026 ASC electrical competition?
Iowa State University secured second place and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln took third place in the ASC competition’s electrical problem. All teams competed in the data center tenant fit-out scenario developed by Rosendin Electric as the electrical sponsor.

How do students benefit from the ASC competition?
The ASC competition provides networking opportunities and serves as a direct recruiting pipeline with large construction companies such as Rosendin Electric. Students who demonstrate exceptional performance often receive internship offers and full-time positions with Rosendin, joining comprehensive training programs that have developed thousands of skilled professionals.

How many categories were in the 2026 ASC competition?
Over 1,900 construction and engineering students competed in 17 categories at the ASC competition, where Rosendin served as electrical sponsor. Categories included Integrated Projects, Virtual Design and Construction, Sustainable Building, Preconstruction, and Project Management.

How many universities participate in the 2026 ASC competitions?
The ASC’s annual competition attracts top construction and engineering students from more than 60 universities. Rosendin uses these events to connect with the next generation of leaders in construction.

Who were the judges for the electrical challenge at the 2026 ASC competition?
The Rosendin judging panel for the ASC electrical problem included Brandon Stephens, Senior Vice President; Mark Stone, Division Manager; and Rob Clark, Senior Project Manager. Director of Reconstruction Tom Hughes, Division Manager Tammi Rapozo, Operations Manager Jenica Bixler, Sr. Learning & Development Manager Jeremy Schaefer, Project Manager II Matthew Cinelli, Project Manager I Jose Guerrero, and Assistant Project Manager Heather Sailor.