Eight Sukut Construction (Sukut) employees attended the ASC Regions 6 & 7 2025 Student Competition and Construction Management Conference at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada. As a dedicated supporter of construction education, Sukut has proudly sponsored California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) student teams for over a decade, providing mentorship and industry insight to help students develop the skills necessary for success in the field.
This year’s competition was one of the largest in its history, featuring 241 teams and a total of 1,798 registered students, including 1,446 students on competing teams and 352 alternates. The event also attracted 180 companies and hosted a total of 1,600 industry attendees, making it a premier networking and professional development opportunity for students and employers alike.
The CSULB team, led by faculty coach Dr. Vahid Balali, was composed of six students competing in the Region 7 Heavy Civil competition, which was sponsored and judged by Granite Construction. They were supported by eight student alternates, who contributed to the preparation and overall team effort. On February 6, the team submitted a fully-responsive bid, which was the second-closest to Granite’s own bid price, demonstrating their strong understanding of cost estimation and construction planning. The following day, they delivered an impressive oral presentation, exhibiting great knowledge of the project and a clear approach to building it. Their performance highlighted their technical expertise, teamwork, and ability to think critically under pressure.
Throughout the competition, the students were mentored by Sukut employees Edgar Prado, Nick Campbell, Bryan Pacillas, Isaiah Martinez, and Cameron Tilmont, who provided guidance and support leading up to and during the event.
Sukut’s Gabe Sollano, the team’s coach and a CSULB graduate, previously competed in the ASC competition in 2022 and 2023, both years under Sukut’s mentorship. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Sollano remarked:
“Through months of dedication, discipline, and long hours of training, this group of students turned effort into excellence! When the moment arrived, they proved the power of preparation, and I cannot wait to see where their continued dedication takes them in the years to come.”
Beyond the competition, Sukut employees engaged with students at the career fair on February 8, where they shared insights into career paths, industry trends, and opportunities within the company. Events like these provide an invaluable platform for fostering connections between Sukut and the next generation of construction professionals.
Sukut remains committed to investing in future construction leaders through mentorship and sponsorship. The company extends its congratulations to all participants and looks forward to continuing its involvement in the ASC competition in 2026.
