UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Recognized at Regional Concrete Canoe Competition, Places in Top 5

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April 15, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

The University of Texas at Tyler was recognized at this year's American Society of Civil Engineering Concrete Canoe Texas-Mexico Regional Competition held in Lubbock.

With their 2016 canoe entry, "Bridgette," UT Tyler's ASCE student chapter earned the Keith McBride Spirit of the Competition Award, which recognizes outstanding team comradery, professionalism, positive work ethic and a competitive spirit.

In addition, UT Tyler placed third in the oral presentation category. The university overall placed in the top five in the competition.

At the annual contest, collegiate teams build canoes with concrete and are judged in four categories: technical design report, oral design presentation, canoe final product and racing. The top teams in each region advance to nationals. Since UT Tyler is host for this year's national competition, the university automatically earns a spot to compete.

"I am so proud of our students' demonstration of character and teamwork this past weekend in Lubbock," said Dr. Torey Nalbone, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department chair. "They came together and really showed the traits that we talk about for 'University Men and Women.' I have been impressed with the leadership of our two captains this year – Chaz Hinkeldey and Meagan Childress – they did a great job."

UT Tyler concrete canoe team members are listed by hometown.
ALLEN – Paul Hodges.
CANTON – Angela Kornegay.
EDOM – Christian Newton.
GILMER – Meagan Childress.
GREENVILLE – Tyler White.
IRVING – Tanner Sheets.
LEWISVILLE – Lauren Halliday.
LONGVIEW – Ramtin Eskandani.
MESQUITE – Keira Leslie and Callie Newton.
NEW BRAUNFELS – Trevor Self.
NEW SUMMERFIELD – Sam Santillan.
PLANO – Ryan Lance.
SULPHUR SPRINGS – Chaz Hinkeldey.
TYLER – Josh Davis and Matt Rischel.
WASHINGTON – Sandy Chau.

"When our students brought their canoe in this year for judging, the whole arena got quiet," said Dr. Michael McGinnis, faculty adviser and College of Engineering interim dean. "The other teams couldn't believe the creativity and ingenuity that was required to pull off the two-piece design of Bridgette. Even the judges were amazed – they had to call the National Committee to get verification that UT Tyler's canoe was even within the limits of the contest, and it was."

UT Tyler offers the bachelor of science and master of science in civil engineering degrees on both the Tyler campus and at the Houston Engineering Center. For additional information, call 903.566.7273.

For more information about the 2016 nationals, visit uttyler.edu/civil-engineering/concrete-canoe/.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.