Southern Polytechnic State University's steel bridge team has placed second in an international Student Steel Bridge competition.

"I am extraordinarily proud of this team and what they have accomplished. Their hard work and sacrifice has paid off," said Professor Mike Orlandella, advisor to the organization and a faculty member of SPSU's civil engineering technology department. "Our kids always finish near the top in these events and it's due to their perseverance and belief in themselves."

The first place team was California State University in Chico. Teams compete by entering steel bridges in regional events. The top finishers among the more than 200 national and international entrants competed in the Student Steel Bridge competition held recently at Texas A&M University. The schools are ranked in such areas as aesthetics and speed, according to Orlandella.

Team members include Mark Tomblin, Jeff Middlebrooks, Chris Pruitt, Anthony Spagnoli, Johhny McElreath, Catherine Armstrong, Bradley Parks and Kit Webb.