PHS crowns SkillsUSA champ

 

PHOENIX — Phoenix High School sophomore Uriah Jansen captured first place and was named state champion at the 2026 Oregon State SkillsUSA Masonry Competition on Friday, earning a trip to the national competition in Atlanta.

Jansen led a field that included nine Phoenix High School competitors, marking the third consecutive year the Pirates have participated in the statewide event — this year hosted on their home campus.

Other Phoenix High competitors included William Acord, Rowan Wilson, Elia Santos, Trevor Gannaway, Hazijah Jackson, Angel Aguirre, Cail Decker and Nakoa Potts. The strong turnout reflects the continued growth of the school’s construction and trades program.

"I think competition brings out the best in all of us," Phoenix High construction technology teacher David Ford said during a break in the action, "and these kids go through my class into a unit on masonry and laying brick and this is kind of a way for them to showcase their skills. ...They're here on their day off doing this so I think that speaks volumes for what they're doing out there."

The competition was administered and judged by Alex Sandeen of Sandeen Masonry and his team, who evaluated students on precision, layout, and overall craftsmanship as they constructed masonry projects under a three-hour time limit.

The day began with setup at 8 a.m., followed by a competitor briefing and preparation period. Students worked from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. building their projects, with the final hour offering a clear look at nearly completed walls. Judging took place in the early afternoon before the cleanup concluded the event.

"I'm feeling pretty confident," said Acord, after finishing his wall. "I had some trouble cleaning off the extra mortar, so mine looks a little dirtier than (the model wall). But other than that, I'm not too worried."

Acord entered the day as the defending state champion and had another stellar showing, placing second overall, while Wilson took third and Santos fourth. 

Hosting the state competition gave Phoenix High students a home-field advantage and the opportunity to showcase their work to industry professionals and community members.

With his first-place finish, Jansen will have the option to represent Oregon at the national SkillsUSA competition later this year, where top student masons from across the country will compete.