Seniors Sam Ruba and Caleb Zehr placed second in the nation at the National Automotive Technology Competition in New York City on Apr. 3 and 4.

On Apr. 3, Ruba and Zehr competed in 10 skills stations, including a job interview, a science area applying to automotives and an electrical workstation. On Apr. 4, they were given three hours to fix a 2018 Chevy Malibu with multiple bugs, such as engine and electrical problems.

To prepare for the competition, the boys met with their autos teacher Jason Guyer for four to five hours every night for a week leading up to the competition. To practice car repairs, they used a car from the local Bob Stephen Motors Inc.

Guyer was proud of Ruba and Zehr for working so well together.

“The boys stayed calm when they were working through a problem,” Guyer said. “You could see other teams let the frustration get to them throughout the competition.”

The duo brought home multiple prizes including five possible scholarship offers, a second place trophy and plaque, a $750 gift certificate for a Megatech Trainer Aid and a full-ride scholarship to Lincoln Technical Institute.