It’s tough being so dominant.

Yet the Austin High School Skills USA team managed to persevere this season, as 15 students on the team captured an astounding 19 medals in 57 events at the SkillsUSA Minnesota 2012 State Leadership and Skills Conference last month.

“I’ve been in it for three years now, and it’s just the most successful year we’ve had so far,” said AHS senior Domingo Ramirez. Ramirez took first place in screen printing and pin design, along with second place in entrepreneurship at the state competition.

The SkillsUSA competition showcases career and technical education skills where students compete in trade and business scenarios.

During the state competition, students worked against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations like welding, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts.

“It’s great,” said Greg Huckaby, AHS senior. “This being my first year here, it was great to have such automatic success.”

Huckaby took second place in entrepreneurship and fourth place in prepared speech.

The team hopes to attract more members, including more female students, next year, as well as continue to remain competitive.

Ramirez is preparing to compete at the national competition this June. For now, the team will rest on its laurels.

“It’s been one of my highlights,” said Craig Knippel, AHS graphic design teacher and SkillsUSA adviser.