University of Florida student team earns second place at Roofing Alliance Student Competition

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

From classroom concepts to real-world execution, University of Florida students demonstrate excellence in roofing and construction management. 

The Roofing Alliance 2026 Student Competition brought together leading construction management programs from across the country, challenging students to solve real-world roofing scenarios while gaining invaluable industry experience. Among the top performers was the University of Florida, whose team earned an impressive second-place finish through strong collaboration, technical expertise and months of dedicated preparation. 

Representing the University of Florida were Nicholas Fredette (team alternate), Tyler Isaacson, Sophia Petrandis, Rylee Rauktis (team captain) and Christian Walker. The team was guided by faculty advisor Professor Jim Sullivan and mentored by a former student competition competitor, Caleb Stauss of Big D Roofing. 

The Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition is one of the industry’s premier workforce development initiatives. Each year, participating universities develop a comprehensive bid proposal for a real project tied to the location of the International Roofing Expo. In 2026, that project focused on the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, where teams prepared detailed estimates, logistics plans, safety protocols and delivered oral presentations to a panel of industry judges. Written proposals and oral presentation scores were combined to determine final rankings. 

The competition results highlighted the strength of roofing education programs nationwide, with Auburn University taking first place, the University of Florida earning second and Clemson University placing third. In addition to the team’s success, Sophia Petrandis was recognized as one of the competition’s top individual presenters, placing second in the category, highlighting the depth of talent within the Florida program. 

During an interview with RoofersCoffeeShop® at the International Roofing Expo, the University of Florida team shared insights into their experience, from months of preparation to presenting on a national stage. 

Throughout the competition, the University of Florida team operated as a mock roofing company, assigning leadership roles and collaborating across disciplines. From estimating and logistics to safety planning and quality control, each team member contributed to building a comprehensive and competitive bid package. 

One of the most impactful elements of the experience was visiting the project site in person. After months of reviewing drawings, walking the roof of the Cannery Casino and Hotel brought a new level of understanding. 

Students noted that the scale of the building was significantly different than anticipated. Elevations estimated from plans appeared much larger in person, and details that seemed straightforward on paper required deeper consideration in the field. The experience reinforced the importance of understanding real-world conditions and how they influence project planning, material selection and installation strategies. 

The opportunity to explore the expo floor further expanded their understanding of the roofing industry. For many team members, the competition marked their first in-depth exposure to roofing and cemented just how diverse and innovative the industry has become. 

From membranes and shingles to advanced safety systems and specialized components, the students saw firsthand how interconnected the roofing industry is and how rapidly the technology continues to evolve. The experience emphasized the importance of combining technical knowledge with leadership, communication and adaptability. 

As these students prepare to enter the workforce, they are focused on finding companies that align with their career values. Company culture, integrity, transparency and opportunities for growth were consistently highlighted as key factors in choosing an employer. They are seeking organizations that invest in people with a focus on long-term success. 

The University of Florida team’s performance in the Roofing Alliance Student Competition reflects not only their technical capabilities but also their commitment to excellence through education. Their second-place finish represents months of hard work, strong mentorship and the ability to perform at a high level on a national stage. 

The Roofing Alliance Student Competition continues to play a critical role in developing the next generation of roofing professionals, connecting students with contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders while providing meaningful, hands-on experience. 

For the University of Florida team, the experience was more than a competition. It was a gateway into an industry filled with opportunity, innovation and long-term career potential. 

Watch the full interview.

To learn more about the Roofing Alliance, its Student Competition and workforce development initiatives shaping the future of the roofing industry, visit roofingalliance.net.