College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Dean's Office
EERB 401
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-4253
Email: enginfo@uwyo.edu
Dr. Barker, Cristy Guenther, Allison Hiddinga, Emily Holden, Dan Logsdon
Ben Nemec, Josh Palik, Richard Price, Thad Hunter, Nathan White
Wendel Lewis, Pat Dowse, Jake Wright, Adam Vath, Tim Palik, Chris Bergmeier
After months of work and testing, the students and Dr. Barker were ready to take off on April 6 at around 8:00 (which was close to the scheduled time of 7:00, more or less). The trip went smoothly, picking up gas and Dr. Edgar in Lusk. The next stop was Mule Creek Junction and then Mt. Rushmore. It was a first for several people, and a can't miss for everyone.
Wyoming Flag
Then into Rapid City straight to the Holiday Inn. We checked in, got arranged and
then went over to campus for a picnic dinner at the Athletic Center. It rained and
drizzled so the picnic was inside. Oh well, the burg's and dog's were good. AND FREE
FRIZBEE's! (You know, I never saw a frizbee go across the atrium in the hotel. Such
restraint!) :)
Breakfast was a fiasco. Someone didn't tell the restaurant the approximately 250 students
had coupons off for breakfast, and were likely to use them. They were ill equiped
to handle a breakfast crowd, and some sat for almost an hour.
Opening ceremonies started at 8:20 something, because so many people were still waiting for breakfast. Josh did the Chapter Presentation and did a good job. He asked to go early so he could get the bridge set up for judging.
Chris Bergmeier gave the technical paper on "Compressive Properties of Clear Wood Specimens". I never know about Bongossi. I guess the judges didn't either.
Our Team of mad scientists worked dilegently to clean the zinc out of contaminated water. You know, I think the easiest way to do it is to not let the zinc get into the water in the first place, but what do I know? I think Ben has already drunk a little too much. (Zinc, that is)
The Mystery Design was a bridge made from spagetti and hot glue. It had to span 18" (with 10" spagetti) and carry 5 pounds. It looked like Wendel was directing his team,
While Ty was really into the construction, and Nathan was using a little slight of hand.
The winning bridge was a beauty, shown third from right. Nathan was on the victorious team.
More Photos
Speaking of bridges, the judging for the bridge took place that morning. After all
the other schools had erected their bridges, Dave Genova (the nationally recognized
head judge) asked if the team was going to assemble theirs. The did it in about 5
minutes, giving notice to the other schools that we were here and serious.
Pat, Josh, Richard, Tim, Adam, Jake, Dr. Barker
Our competition started about 3:30 in the afternoon and the team did great. They constructed
in just over 6 minutes. They did really well, and beat the next schools construction
time by almost half. After loading, well, the picture says it allWAY TO ROCK!!!
That night, a quiet and leasurely dinner at the Olive Garden. (What was it really
with those fuzzy drinks, anyway???)
More Photos
We had had heavy rain on Thursday night, and it was cold and drizzly on Friday. Saturday
was a day you can appreciate for some canoe races. Ben and Wendel gave the canoe presentation.
(Pretty good for writing most of it in the van driving up!).
The food was good and so was the service. The Awards were. well, disappointing. We were sure that we were going to Nationals with the bridge. After Firsts in Speed and Economy and Second in Weight, the deflections killed us. So it goes. Next year in Valhalla. But, what it can't take away is a great group of students. No fights, no loud corrections, lots of laughs, looking out for each other, nothing more that I can say. You ALL did really well, and I thank you for it. Sorry for the other students who elected not to go. Their loss.
Bridge Team
The Palik Team
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Dean's Office
EERB 401
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-4253
Email: enginfo@uwyo.edu
