The De La Salle Collegiate DECA team recently experienced an exciting and memorable weekend in downtown Detroit, competing at the Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference March 5–7 at Huntington Place.

The DLS contineng of 45 students—who earned their place at the state finals through success at the district competition - represented De La Salle with professionalism, preparation, and competitive spirit throughout the event.

The conference requires most competitors to complete a 100-question exam and two role-play presentations, giving students the opportunity to apply their business knowledge while also networking with peers from across Michigan.

Although the team did not have a state champion this year, 13 De La Salle students were named state finalists—an impressive accomplishment considering more than 8,000 students from schools across Michigan participated in the event.

The De La Salle state finalists included:

• Glenn Acre, Grade 12 – Start-Up Business Plan
• Peter Barrett, Grade 10 – Principles of Finance
• Kevin Erickson, Grade 10 – Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making
• Caleb Fulton, Grade 12 – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
• Cooper Gaffrey, Grade 9 – Principles of Finance
• Josh Kosanke, Grade 12 – Human Resources Management
• Andrew Larimer, Grade 12 – Hospitality Services Team Decision Making
• Ed Martel, Grade 12 – Business Law and Services Team Decision Making
• Brendan O’Neil, Grade 12 – Start-Up Business Plan
• Corbin Richert, Grade 12 – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
• Zachary Sufczynski, Grade 12 – Business Law and Services Team Decision Making
• Gavin Velicivic, Grade 11 – Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series
• Zachary Wagner, Grade 12 – Hospitality Services Team Decision Making

Faculty member and DECA Coach Dennis Koch ’94 said, “We are proud of how these young men represented De La Salle and the DECA program. Their effort, preparation, and professionalism made this year’s DECA State Conference a memorable and rewarding experience.”

Team President Evan Kelley, '26, said, "I am proud of all of their hard work and determination. The boys did very well." 

Experiencing Detroit Together

Beyond the competition, the conference also provided students the opportunity to spend time together and experience the city.

The team stayed in Midtown Detroit, giving students a chance to enjoy the energy of the city while navigating a busy conference schedule. They rode the QLine, used Lime scooters, and experienced a sense of independence while traveling between events.

The DECA Pilots also connected with the DECA team from Regina High School while bowling and sharing pizza at Garden Bowl, which is currently owned by alumni Dave Zainea, '80, and his brother George Zainea, '76.