Two students from Oxford High School’s automotive technology program shined in a state competition that puts their brains and hands to the test.

Seniors Kyle Kalbfleisch and Austin Hunter did well at the May 4 Automotive Advanced Service Technology competition conducted by the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society. It was held on Oakland Community College’s Auburn Hills campus.

The contest consisted of a hands-on practical exam lasting approximately four hours and requiring students to test, diagnose, repair and/or identify specific automotive components.

“I like that it tests different skill areas,” said OHS Auto Technology Instructor Dan Balsley. “I like that it’s a performance-based evaluation of (students’) collective knowledge.”

Kalbfleisch finished ninth overall in the state. He took first place in brakes, fifth place in electrical, sixth place in safety inspection and 10th place in steering and suspension.

“I was a little disappointed I didn’t place higher, but I was still happy,” he said.

Hunter finished first in brakes, second in steering and suspension, and fifth in electrical.

“I feel like I did well, but there’s definitely more in me,” he said. “I feel like I could have done more.”

Both students have been taking auto classes led by Balsley since their freshman year.

“They’re two of my best and brightest,” said Balsley, who’s been with the district since 1986. “I’ve enjoyed working with these guys for four years. It was a pleasure to bring them to the competition and see them do well.”

Both students plan to continue in the automotive field following their graduation from OHS on May 24.

Kalbfleisch will attend Macomb Community College where he’ll study to become an automotive technician. “I’d really like to work in a restoration shop – working on old cars and making things beautiful,” he said.

Hunter is heading for Oakland University to study mechanical engineering. His goal is to become an automotive engineer, get a job with one of the Big Three and help shape the future of the industry by designing vehicles.

Kalbfleisch and Hunter are very grateful for the knowledge, experience and skills they’ve gained from the OHS auto program.

“Without this class, I would not be where I am today,” said Kalbfleisch, who noted when he started four years ago, he “knew how to change oil” and that was it.

Today, Kalbfleisch has many of the same state certifications as technicians employed at dealerships and independent shops.

“Usually, high school doesn’t really prepare you for much,” Hunter said. “This class actually prepares you for a future.”

Hunter liked the fact that Balsley’s program offers students a good “balance” between time spent in the classroom and time spent working on vehicles in the shop.

That’s important because he said, “Some students learn better with books (while) others are more hands-on.”

The students couldn’t say enough good things about Balsley and his abilities as an educator.

“He’s a great teacher. He cares – he really does,” Kalbfleisch said. “He tries his best to make sure that we’re getting the best education we can.”

“Mr. B holds us to a higher standard,” Hunter said. “That’s definitely helped me grow as a student. He believes in me. He’s invested is us. We’re very grateful for that. Thanks to Mr. B for everything he’s given us.”

Kalbfleisch praised Balsley for all the years he fought to keep his shop open and the program going.

“I don’t want it to close. I don’t think anybody else does, either,” he said.

“Programs like this are really rare nowadays,” Hunter noted.