Josh Rehme, Mason Saunders, and Frank Kocjancic Win At The MCAA Skills Challenge

Words: Dan Kamys

The 2022 World of Concrete again served as the location for the MCAA's Masonry Skills Challenge. The contest is a showcase for skills training in the masonry industry, challenging winning apprentices from regional U.S. and foreign competitions to determine the top masonry apprentice at each level.

Contestants are divided by experience level, 'First Years' who are just entering the trade through 'Third Years' who are just about to enter the workforce as journeymen. Each level is given a project to build appropriate to their know-how.

The catch? The projects are a complete surprise!

This year's top finishers were: 

First-Year Apprentices

1st Place - Frank Kocjancic  - Bricklayers Local 9 PA  - Pittsburgh, PA

2nd Place - Sebastian Fernandez - Groesbeck Masonry  - San Antonio, TX

3rd Place - Juan Mendez  - Arizona Masonry Council / Recreate Companies  - Phoenix, AZ

Second-Year Apprentices

1st Place - Mason Saunders  - Huntley Brothers Company, Inc. - Midland, NC

2nd Place - Oscar Montano  - Sun Valley Masonry - Tucson, AZ

3rd Place - Kurtis Sutter  - Rudolph Libbe, Inc. - Gand Rapids, OH

Third-Year Apprentices

1st Place - Josh Rehme  -  Patrico Masonry - St. Louis, MO

2nd Place - Robert McKibben  -  Dallas College - Coppell, TX

3rd Place - Marco Antonio Suruy  - District Council Training Center - Addison, IL

The Benefits of Concealed Lintel Systems in Modern Masonry
June 2026

When looking at iconic structures built throughout history, one of the most recognizable architectural elements is the masonry arch. These arches are not only aesthetically and visually pleasing but also serve as an engineering solution for structural sta

What’s New With CMU: A Closer Look From Ken Rathbun
June 2026

Anyone who’s spending time around CMU jobs today can see the shift. Concrete masonry isn’t just the backup wall; it is the finish on more projects. Thanks in part to the CMU check-off program and a broader focus on design and education, architects and own

Case Study: Kyle Field at Texas A&M
June 2026

The $450 million redevelopment of Texas A&M’s football stadium, Kyle Field, was one of the most high-profile projects in Echelon and Amerimix history. With the renovation, Kyle Field’s capacity increased to 102,733, making it the biggest college stadium i

2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra