Youngstown State University’s Steel Bridge team earned a second-place overall finish at the 2026 American Institute of Steel Construction Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals, held May 22-23 at the University of Texas El Paso.

Competing against top engineering programs from across the United States, Canada and Mexico, YSU secured a second-place overall finish at the national competition. The team also earned first place in bridge stiffness and second place in structural efficiency, highlighting its excellence in both design and construction.

The competition challenges students to design, fabricate and construct a scale-model steel bridge that is evaluated on criteria including structural performance, efficiency, constructability and speed. YSU qualified for nationals after finishing second in the regional competition hosted by YSU in April. During the national competition, YSU was also recognized as the first university to make 20 appearances at the Steel Bridge National Finals.

“This achievement is a tremendous source of pride for our students, the Civil Engineering program and Youngstown State University,” said Anwarul Islam, professor of civil and environmental engineering and faculty advisor to the team. “We placed third nationally in 2019 and 2021 and second nationally in both 2023 and 2026. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to preparing civil engineering students to excel at the highest level while continually striving for improvement and success.”

Preparation for the competition began in September when the annual competition rules were released. Team members spent more than two months designing the bridge before moving to fabrication, a process that lasted from November through February. Students then spent months refining construction techniques and practicing assembly before regional and national competitions.

“The biggest preparation for our team was practice,” said Joe Macejko, team captain and a civil engineering major with a mathematics minor. “We met several times each week throughout the school year to build consistency and reduce errors. By the time we reached nationals, every stage of the process – from design and fabrication to construction – reflected months of hard work and teamwork.”

Islam said faculty advisors play an active role throughout the process by mentoring students, supporting design development and helping coordinate regional and national competition activities. He noted that the experience provides students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities that complement classroom instruction and prepare them for careers in the engineering profession.

For Macejko and his teammates, the national competition offered more than technical experience. Students collaborated under pressure, solved complex engineering challenges and networked with peers from universities across North America.

“This was an incredible experience to be a part of,” Macejko said. “I am proud to represent YSU and the state of Ohio as the only Ohio school to compete at nationals this year. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of our faculty, advisors, practitioner advisors, sponsors and every member of our team.”

Team members included Macejko, Michael Gonda, Evan Fink, Calvin Ritchie, Jack Hrina, Nick Lichty, Casidy Bryan, Mitchell Cook and Ian Anthony. Faculty advisors were Islam and Rick Deschenes, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.

The team also recognized the support of its sponsors, including J.A. McMahon Steel Fabrication, City Machine Technologies Inc., MS Consultants, the ASCE Youngstown Branch, Shaw Co. Engineering, Lyda Engineering Services LLC, GTA, GPD, Kolat Excavating, Youngstown Oxygen and Welding and DeSalvo Construction.

This competition serves as a capstone experience for many students, providing opportunities to develop technical skills, collaborate under pressure and connect with future industry professionals. The team’s success reflects the strength of YSU’s engineering program and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the field.