March 2006 ISSUE
Braking Stops Calgary Short of Victory
BY KIRK THURBIDE
University of Calgary
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CONCRETE COPPERS |
What weighs 300 lb., carries up to five passengers and can reach speeds exceeding 80 km/h? Why, it’s a concrete toboggan of course.
This year’s annual Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race took place Feb. 1-5 in Montreal, with the U of C’s Mounty-My-Boggan team finishing 16th.
“U of C presented a tough challenge for all the other teams this year,” said Bo Jiang, the team’s communications coordinator, “We came out with strong sprit, awesome costumes and technical exhibits, along with a superbly fast toboggan. Our only shortcoming during the competition was our braking distance.”
While the Calgary team was not able to recapture its championship form of two years ago, it did finish first for costumes, third for spirit and placed in the top three for top speed of the day — an excellent showing by any standard.
“We were quite happy with our results but of course disappointed we didn’t win,” said Bo. “Some of my teammates have already been in discussion regarding GNCTR 2007 and improvements we can make to our design to make an even bigger hit next year.”
This year’s winner was the Royal Military College of Kingston.
While teams provide a vehicle for students to gain practical experience and develop their skills, another crucial aspect is the student experience.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race,” Bo said. “This being my second time, it still did not diminish the fun factor and learning experience that one can obtain from it.
“This year’s team was an outstanding team that enjoyed being with
each other and helped spur each other on when needed. I’ve certainly developed
some new friendships and deepened others.”
Next year’s race will be held in Winnipeg and hosted by the University
of Manitoba.
MORE INFORMATION
Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race 2006
Visit www.gnctr.info
University of Calgary Team
www.fp.ucalgary.ca/gnctr/