The TSU entry finished second in the women's long distance competition and placed third in both the women's sprint and men's long distance events. In a competition in which it's an accomplishment just to show up with a water-worthy craft, the high finishes represent monumental achievements. Last year, the TSU canoe broke apart as students lifted it into place for its ride to the races. Although muscle and endurance count during the few moments that comprise events, the real contest is won in the months it takes to design and construct a canoe.
Strict rules regulate what materials can be used.
True to its name, the canoe's main ingredient must be concrete. Creating a competitive craft requires high-level engineering and organizational skills. Top-notch engineering schools further raise the ante by putting vast resources behind their canoe projects. As an example of how seriously big schools regard the task, after a disappointing showing last year, Purdue University decided to take a break from competition this year to concentrate on research and testing. The senior civil engineering major from Indianapolis pushed the project to completion with his considerable academic and leadership skills.