After calling signals as the quarterback for the Stilwell Indians football team, Stilwell senior Cainan Mink is calling the signals for his future as a student in the welding program at Indian Capital Technology Center in Stilwell. 

“Welding is just something I’ve always been interested in, so I thought I’d try it out and I fell in love with it,” said Mink who also plays basketball for the Indians. 

Cainan is in the first year of the two year program taught by Levi Reasnor who worked on pipelines for several years and then was the lead instructor at Tulsa Welding School before coming to ICTC three years ago. 

“At the end of the first year I try to get all the students certified on structural welding and the second year we want to get everyone certified on pipe welding,” said Reasnor. “When they leave they’ll have a STEAM card from the Oklahoma Department of Labor making them certified welders. Taking the course here has the advantage of having an instructor with a lot of on-the-job experience and they can do it for free while they’re in high school. They can complete the program and jump right into the work force making good money.” 

Cainan says there are some similarities between playing quarterback and being a good welder. 

“Watching my puddles in welding is like reading a defense in football. You’ve got to watch your puddles when you’re welding or if you don’t it’s going to mess everything up. Welding is a lot easier than playing quarterback though because you have more control over what happens,” laughed Mink who says he enjoys spending his free time outdoors hunting or fishing. 

For a first year student, Cainan is doing well according to his instructor. 

“Cainan is the farthest along out of my first-year students and he just seems to have a natural ability for it,” said Reasnor. “Here at ICTC we have all kinds of program that are all designed to make our graduates work-ready if that’s what they choose to do,” 

Although he still has a way to go before he finishes, Cainan has his sights set for the future. 

“I’d like to make a career out of welding and make a name for myself.”