BOONE—Eleven students from Appalachian State University’s building science program competed at the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) residential construction management competition held Jan. 19 in Las Vegas, Nev.

The students received the Rookie of the Year Award and placed fourth in the competition.

The competition was part of the NAHB’s annual International Homebuilders’ Show, one of the largest conventions in the nation.

This is the first time a team from Appalachian has entered the competition. They competed against 37 of the top universities in the country, including Michigan State, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Penn State, Purdue, University of Florida and Louisiana State.

The competition involved a 200-page assessment of a Centex Homes development of 89 townhome units in San Antonio, Texas.  The fully illustrated report included marketing strategies, economic analysis, complete construction cost estimates and schedules for 12 different home models, land development plans, energy saving features and benefits, and financial projections for the project. The students worked fall semester and through most of the holiday break to complete the assessment.

Winning the Rookie of the Year Award was the students’ main goal. Being named fourth in the nation was an added bonus. This is the first time a team has won the Rookie of the Year Award and placed in the top five overalls.

First place was awarded to Brigham Young University, second place went to Middle Tennessee State University and third place was awarded to California Polytechnic State University. Texas A&M University won fifth place.

The Appalachian students received support from the High Country Homebuilders’ Association, Centex Homes in Charlotte and other building professionals who provided feedback and advice.

Team members, all students in the building science program, are Tim Bayless, Scott Critcher, Lawrance Lippard, Damien Markiewicz, Travis McKenzie, Andrew Sams, Nick Lentz, Andrew Church, Zach Ritchie, Matt Johnson and Dallas Crisp.

Faculty member James Strueber and student advisor Wesley Stewart helped lead the team to its success.

For more information about the building science program at Appalachian, visit  www.tec.appstate.edu/building/index.htm.

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