From setback to state champion

Inside a DACC lab, where precision leaves little room for error, Ricardo Morales Jr. leaned over a sheet of metal, mapping out cuts that would decide whether the final piece held together — or fell apart. 

“It’s not very forgiving,” Morales said. “You do one wrong bend or step, and it can throw everything off.” 

That level of accuracy paid off. Morales earned a gold medal in sheet metal at the SkillsUSA state competition in Albuquerque, securing a trip to the national stage after falling short the year before. His path into the trade wasn’t straightforward. After earning a degree in marketing and completing multiple programs, he returned to Doña Ana Community College looking for something more hands-on. That shift led him into HVAC courses, where an elective introduced him to sheet metal work — a craft that quickly demanded patience, focus and control. 

At the competition, participants were given a detailed drawing and tasked with turning flat metal into a complex three-dimensional fitting. The process required calculating dimensions, mapping designs, and executing precise bends, all while working against the clock. Even a small mistake could cost valuable time or force competitors to start over. 

This year’s challenge pushed participants further than expected. Morales said the problem included elements he hadn’t practiced, forcing him to adjust in real time and rely on extra hours he had spent refining his technique outside the classroom. When his name was announced, the moment didn’t immediately feel real. 

“It was gratifying,” Morales said. “I still couldn’t believe it.” 

Keith Gatalo, an instructor who worked with students preparing for the competition, said the level of difficulty reflected work typically learned years into an apprenticeship. 

“They pulled out techniques we hadn’t really trained for,” Gatalo said. “But he stayed persistent. He showed up, got to work, and it turned out to be good enough to win.” 

Gatalo described the craft as something rarely seen in its traditional form, noting that many modern systems rely on automation rather than manual construction. 

“To take a flat piece of metal and turn it into a precise, functional object by hand — that’s almost a lost art,” he said. 

Morales will represent DACC at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta just weeks after graduating in May. While he hopes to improve his performance, he said the experience offers more than competition. 

“You’re putting your name out there,” Morales said. “Even if you don’t win, people see your work.” 

For Gatalo, the recognition extends beyond one student. Success at the state level reflects the strength of the program and builds momentum for future competitors. 

“We’re already looking ahead to next year,” he said. “This shows what our students can do.” 

For Morales, the result marks more than a win — it’s a turning point shaped by persistence, precision and a second chance that paid off.