Boat race raises scholarship money

Shark, pirate, Flintstone and Willy Wonka were the themes of boats made of duct tape and cardboard that raced down the length of the IU Outdoor Pool on Friday.

“It’s a wonderful way to bring the campus and the community together in an event that really supports health, wellness and coming together,” said Deb Getz, director of the Center for Student Leadership Development.

The Council for Advancing Student Leadership’s 11th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta raised money for student scholarships. Each boat held two contestants, each with an oar to paddle through the 50 meters of water.

Thirteen-year-old contestants Jocelyn Kuh and Samantha Lu said they would not be happy if they ended up in the water. Fortunately, no one fell in.

Kelley School of Business faculty member Steve Kreft and his son Vincent created their boat, The Blue Shark, using cardboard from the bin behind Subway and 12 rolls of duct tape.

“We are up for the challenge, and we think we can take home first prize because we’ve been working out,” Kreft said.

The boat that actually took first, Wonkatania, was modeled after Willy Wonka’s boat that sailed on the chocolate river.

Participants Bailey Catt and Katie Kapelsohn said it took three weeks and too many hours to build. It was their third time racing but their first time winning.

CASL is housed within the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation but serves the entire University, Getz said.

The HPER interim dean, Mohammed R. Torabi, said students are highly encouraged to be involved.

“This event does two things,” Torabi said. “One is building a sense of community for our students and our community, and the second is encouraging healthy physical activity and celebrating public health.”

The sidelines were filled with fans, family and friends cheering for each boat. The regatta draws all types of people, including fraternities, IU Clubs, faculty, high school students and college students.

“It’s a good cause and a lot of fun,” Kreft said. “Why not, right?”