SkillsUSA Recognizes Achievement in Collision Repair Technology Posted 11/03/2006 By Colby Horton Prior to Friday morning's OE Forum, Darrell Andrews, chairman of the National Collision Repair Technology Committee of SkillsUSA and property claim trainer with State Farm Insurance, and Geralynn Kottschade, NACE chairman, recognized the winners of this year's Collision Repair Technology National Contest. The Post-Secondary Gold Medal Winner of the 2006 SkillsUSA Championships was Dan Zoppetti from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wis. Zoppetti accepted the award with his instructor, Larry Terrien. Chance Hendrix from Northeast Technology Center in Pryor, Okla., was recognized as the Secondary Gold Medal Winner of this year's SkillsUSA Championships. Hendrix was joined by his instructor, David Moore. The SkillsUSA Championships were held in June in Kansas City, Mo. Students competed in 80 skilled areas. Andrews' committee requires students to complete the following: metal work; an ASE test; refinishing; structural damage analysis; reconciling an estimate with published time guides; plastic identification and repair; and welding. Contestants are judged on the overall appearance of the finished products and proper safety practices. Both Zoppetti and Hendrix received medals from the Automotive Service Association (ASA) in recognition of their achievement. Dan Zopetti from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wis., is recognized as the Post-Secondary Gold Medal Winner. Chance Hendrix from Northeast Technology Center in Pryor, Okla., is recognized as the Secondary Gold Medal Winner.