Cowley College Hosts Third Annual SCK Welding Showdown

Cowley College recently hosted the SCK Welding Showdown, a regional skills competition designed to showcase the talents of high school welding students from across south-central Kansas. The event took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Tyler Technical Education Center in Arkansas City, Kansas. 

Now in its third year, the SCK Welding Showdown was created through a partnership between Colby Endres, former Mulvane High School instructor; Josie Messenger of Arkansas City High School; and Cowley College Lead Welding Instructor Ricky Squires. The competition was developed to provide local students with an accessible opportunity to compete, as many similar events are located more than three hours away.

“The competition was created to highlight the talent in our region,” said Squires. “It has grown into something we are very proud of, and it continues to help connect students with Cowley’s welding programs.”

The contest consists of both written and hands-on components. Students complete a written exam and participate in welding tests that require them to read blueprints, assemble projects, and complete welds using multiple welding processes while following strict safety protocols. Competitors used SMAW and GMAW welding processes with 7018 electrodes and .035 wire on ¼-inch material, utilizing Miller Multimatic AC/DC machines. 

Teams were given 1.5 hours to complete all sections of the competition, with four students per team and all four scores counting toward the final team results. 

Thanks to the continued support of industry partners, the event offers valuable prizes and recognition for top performers. Sponsors for this year’s competition included Lampton Welding Supply, Case New Holland, Winfield Iron and Metal, A&W Welding, Outlaw Leather, and Lincoln Electric.

Awards are presented in two categories: overall team champions and individual champions. The winning team receives a championship banner and a traveling trophy crafted by Cowley welding students. The top three individual competitors earn welding equipment prizes, including hoods, gloves, and hats.

Squires noted that the competition has also played an important role in recruiting future students. “We’ve seen many participants go on to enroll in Cowley’s welding programs,” he said. “It’s been a great way to build relationships and show students what opportunities are available here.”

In addition to fostering technical skills, the SCK Welding Showdown gives high school programs an opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate student achievement in a supportive, professional environment.

Official results from this year’s competition will be released next week. Mulvane High School is currently aiming for a third consecutive team championship, adding to the excitement surrounding this year’s event.

For more information about Cowley College’s welding programs, visit www.cowley.edu.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu