Annual cardboard boat contest nears

Grab a partner and a paddle because the fourth-annual Cardboard Boat Regatta is quickly approaching. \nTeams are forming for the Oct. 1 race as they work to construct a boat using only cardboard and duct tape for this year's race, sponsored by the Council of Advancing Student Leadership. In addition to trying to win the race, teams also compete for the title of "most creative." \nAccording to CASL's Web site, judging for this award is based on the creativity of the supplies used, the boat's theme, enthusiasm of team and the use of costumes.\nEach boat will be judged on creativity by two, IU "celebrity" judges.\n"Kyle Hornsby, former IU basketball player and Dean (of students Richard) McKaig will judge creativity this year," Chris Carter, president of CASL said.\nThe day progresses with a race across IU's 50-meter, outdoor pool, which will determine the fastest boat. \n"Last year's Fastest Boat Winner was the Outlaws," CASL Events Director Jaclyn Renneisen said. "They set a new record of 24.49 seconds. The 2003 Most Creative Boat winner was the Corporate Pirates." \nThis year, like years passed, teams will win trophies and prizes, as well as the Cardboard Boat Regatta champion title.\n"Big trophies and gift certificates are rewarded to the first, second and third-place teams," Carter said. \nEven those who don't race can attend and cheer for friends while enjoying free food and raffle prizes. \n"This year's raffle prizes, donated by our sponsors range from Aver's free pizzas, Hidden Hills Golf passes, Village Deli certificates, prizes from Heavenly Ham, Buffalouie's, Starbucks and T.I.S.," Renneisen said.\nThe money raised from registration for the event will go toward student leadership scholarships which students can apply for now, and receive in the spring, when the CASL presents them at the Little 500 Race.\nFor more information about the race or scholarship applications visit www.indiana.edu/~casl. \nRegistration ends Friday at 5 p.m. Teams must register in one of three divisions: campus housing, greek groups or independent. The cost to enter is $20 per team.\n-- Contact staff writer Megan George at mrgeorge@indiana.edu.