In a thrilling test of automotive prowess at the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, OCM-BOCES students Christian Dorn and Codee Yount showcased exceptional talent, securing a state championship title. While not the fastest to complete a series of complex repairs on a 2012 Ford Mustang, their flawless performance earned them the top spot and an invitation to the national finals in Detroit. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Henry Campus in Syracuse, a first in the school’s history at the Thompson Road location.
Ten teams representing high schools across New York State vied for the coveted championship at Morrisville State College on Thursday morning. The challenge: to accurately diagnose and rectify deliberately introduced malfunctions, or “bugs,” in identical Ford vehicles within a strict 90-minute timeframe. Following the intricate repair work, the student teams drove their Mustangs to the college’s transmission lab, where expert judges meticulously assessed their accuracy and the quality of their workmanship.
The competition utilized a fleet of brand-new 2012 Ford Mustangs, practically fresh off the production line, with their only prior journey being the short drive from Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport to the automotive technology center in Morrisville. Professor Joe Kidd of Morrisville State College emphasized the fairness of the setup, stating that the cars were “identical in every way but color,” ensuring an even playing field by standardizing everything from tire pressure to fuel levels and battery charge.
Adding to the challenge, each Mustang was intentionally rigged with approximately ten pre-set issues demanding precise diagnostic skills and repair expertise. As Codee Yount, a senior from Lafayette High School, diligently addressed a faulty rear license plate lamp bulb, her teammate Christian Dorn, a senior from Cicero-North Syracuse High School, focused under the hood, tackling sensor problems causing engine cylinder misfires. “It’s all about teamwork,” Yount aptly noted, highlighting the collaborative spirit essential for success in automotive repair and competitive scenarios alike.
The atmosphere in the Morrisville State auto tech center parking lot was electric, punctuated by the energetic roar of engines and the sharp blasts of horns. Spectators, comprising proud parents, supportive friends, and dedicated teachers, watched as the students, clad in safety goggles, worked intensely against the clock. Remarkably, the first team completed their repairs in under 45 minutes. Dorn and Yount, demonstrating meticulousness over speed, finished with only six minutes remaining, yet their commitment to perfection resulted in the highest score of the day.
Erick Dodge, the instructor at the OCM-BOCES Henry campus guiding these talented students, underscored their winning strategy: “A perfect car is more important than getting it done quickly.” This emphasis on accuracy and thoroughness clearly distinguished Dorn and Yount. The teams participating in the state competition had earned their places through high scores in a preceding online qualifying exam. The stakes are considerable, with nearly $12 million in scholarships on offer across the state and national levels of the competition, providing significant opportunities for aspiring automotive technicians.
Top Five Teams in the Competition:
- Christian Dorn and Codee Yount, OCM-BOCES Henry Campus, Syracuse
- Paul Fillmore and Zach Vargo, Wayne Technical and Career Center, Williamson, N.Y.
- Dillon Conklin and Joshua Muir, Charles G. May Career and Tech Center, Mount Morris, N.Y.
- Ethan Allen and Thomas Johnson, OCM-BOCES McEvoy Campus, Cortland, N.Y.
- Jake Bott and Paul Duthoy, WEMOCO Career and Tech Center, Spencerport, N.Y.
Next Steps to National Stage:
The journey continues for Dorn and Yount as they, along with the champions from the other 49 states, prepare to compete for the national title at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, from June 12 to 14. The national competition will include a written examination, followed by another high-pressure timed event where they will diagnose and repair a new set of challenges in a Ford vehicle. The ultimate national title will be awarded to the team that achieves the best combined scores from both the written test and the hands-on repair competition, setting the stage for Codee Yount and Christian Dorn to potentially prove their skills on a national platform after their state victory focused on expertly repairing a Ford Mustang and showcasing their ‘Codee Yount Car’ repair skills.
