March 2007 ISSUE
Calgary Chickens Unafraid
of Riding
Concrete Toboggan
 |
CHICKEN RUN |
BY KIRK THURBIDE
Schulich School of Engineering
They may be dressed like chickens but there is a lot more than feathers to this year’s University of Calgary Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race team. Recently returning from the annual race, held in Winnipeg this year, the Schulich School of Engineering team had a chance to reflect on its hardwork, dedication and initiative.
There is no doubt that these students gained more than a fun-filled day of sledding for their memory banks.
Chase Babiuk, a first-time participant and the team’s executive of communications, was more than happy with the performance. “I think our team did a stellar job. We ended up placing eighth out of 19 competing teams,” said Chase. “While we would have liked a top-five finish, we realized that it would be tough as apparently we had a much less-experienced and overall younger team this year.”
U of C did snag a first in the costume category and a second in team spirit.
The team may be young and learning, but these students have amassed a tremendous wealth of experience in overseeing this project from concept to completion. Students work on all areas of the project, among them sponsorship, construction, design and communications.
“Not only is it an exclusively student-run team, but I really appreciated that we had to be resourceful and get things done on our own,” explained Chase. “As a student I felt a lot more pride knowing that we built and successfully ran our toboggan without anyone holding our hands.”
While there is a great deal of labour that goes into Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race, it is not all work. “All of us met and socialized with many people from different universities and colleges,” said Chase. “I made friends with several people from the University of Saskatchewan, McMaster University and several others”.
For more information please visit www.ucalgary.ca/~gnctr/