DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Technical College High School Brandywine students captured their first-ever Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition title, with seniors Konnor Blevins and Jackson Trostle earning a first-place finish on March 6.
The milestone win marked a major achievement for the program, as the two students outperformed competitors from 12 qualifying schools across the region in a demanding, hands-on competition that tested real-world automotive skills.
After advancing through a written exam taken by approximately 280 students, Blevins posted the highest individual score in the entire field. He and Trostle were selected to represent TCHS Brandywine in the finals, where they faced 11 rigorous workstations covering areas such as electrical diagnostics, air conditioning systems, and manufacturer service procedures. The competition also included a mock job interview station, highlighting the importance of both technical expertise and professional readiness.
With strong preparation and teamwork, the pair delivered a standout performance under pressure, supported by training from industry professionals at Del Toyota in Thorndale. Blevins also brought additional hands-on experience from his co-op work at The Jp Shop in Chester Springs.
As first-place winners, both students earned their choice of a full scholarship to Universal Technical Institute, Automotive Training Center, or Lincoln Tech, opening the door to continued education and careers in the automotive field.
“Winning Tech Comp means a lot to me,” Trostle said. “Not only did I get to show off my skills and abilities, but it also opened the opportunity to go to schools that I would’ve been unable to go to due to cost.”
Blevins described the win as the culmination of years of effort.
“After three years of training, we finally get to show what we’ve worked so hard for,” he said. “Winning Tech Comp is a huge achievement, and it means a lot to look back and see how far I’ve come.”
The victory also reflected the strong team culture within the program, according to Automotive Service Technology Instructor Ryan Kuhnle, who emphasized preparation, consistency, and peer support.
“I try to make my class like a team,” Kuhnle said. “The seniors put their time in, and their classmates cheered them on. We celebrate the wins and the losses of this program.”
Principal Dave Purdy praised the students’ technical ability and collaboration, noting that their success was built on a shared commitment to problem-solving and teamwork.
Thank You to Coaches and Industry Partners
School leaders credited the achievement to the dedication of students, the guidance of instructor Ryan Kuhnle, and the support of industry partners including Del Toyota in Thorndale. Mentors Matt Johnson and Brent Murray were recognized for helping prepare students with real-world experience that proved critical on competition day.
With a historic first-place finish now secured, program leaders say the accomplishment sets a new standard for future competitors and signals the beginning of continued success for TCHS Brandywine’s automotive program.
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