Drexel’s concrete canoe placed 10th Overall at the 2014 National Concrete Canoe Competition that was held from June 19 to June 21, 2014 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in Johnstown, Pa.
On race day just outside of Pitt-Johnstown at Quemahoning Recreational Area, supportive professors and alumni came to cheer the team on during the competition, including Dr. Jonathan Cheng, Marc Schroeder, CJ Zebley, Marie LaPosta, Corey Day, Ed Williams, Tim Garabino and Jaclyn Raciti. The team’s best race was the co-ed sprint with a 16th place finish (out of 23 teams).
The awards banquet took place when all other events had finished. Overall the placing for the Drexel team was as follows:
- Women’s Endurance – 21st place
- Men’s Endurance – 22nd Place
- Overall Race Points – Zero Points
- Design Paper – 1st Place (Worth 25 Points)
- Oral Presentation – 22nd Place
- Final Product – 10th Place (Worth 2.5 Points)
- Overall Placing – 10th Place (27.5 Points Total)
The team had a very good showing at the national level, as the goal to be in the top 10 was achieved. The two major milestones from the national competition by Drexel were:
- First time to earn first place in the design paper category
- Tied for the fourth best finish ever in Drexel’s History
With a five year absence from the national competition, the Drexel team shocked the competitors with their finish. The team is hoping to continue to make national appearances for years to come.