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Southeast Auto Body Student Takes First Place

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Southeast Auto Body Student Takes First Place 

Winona, MN (March 30, 2026) – A Minnesota State College Southeast auto body student won first place in a Skills USA Auto Body Competition held at the 3M Skills Development Center in St. Paul this past weekend.

Michael Stangler, a second-year student, took first place in the refinishing portion of the competition. Based on Saturday’s victory, Stangler now can advance to the Skills USA national competition scheduled in Atlanta in June.

Stangler, from Utica, Minnesota, was one of four Southeast students to compete in the St. Paul round over the weekend. He currently works at the Lewiston Auto Body Shop and is pursuing his AAS degree in Auto Body Collision Technology.

The competition features students competing in seven different areas, including sheet metal repair, welding, structural/mechanical, refinishing, plastic repair, job interview, and estimating. Students are scored for the overall competition as well as refinishing as a stand-alone competition.

Michael Stangler, wearing a mask, demonstrates his skills during a portion of the 3M Skills competition

Michael Stangler demonstrates his skills in the refinishing ports of the Skills USA Competition held in St. Paul.

Four Southeast autobody students pose for a photo by the Skills USA banner at the Skills USA Auto Body Competition

Southeast autobody students pose for a picture after competing in the SkillsUSA competition.