University of Kansas - The Jayhawker Yearbook

“On September 12, at 8:00am, the oars hit the Kaw River water. For seven hours and 33 miles, the teams raced their canoes from Manhattan to St. Mary ' s in the KU-KState com- petition. While not as well known as one of the football or basketball games between the two schools, the AURH-sponsored canoe race was just as fun for those who were there. This was the first year since 1983 for the canoe races. Starting back in the 60 ' s, participants raced every year until four years ago when a breakdown in communications ended the races for the time being, however; last year, interest was re- kindled in the competition. Ross Nigro, Kansas City, MO junior and president of KU-AURH said that at- tempts were made to reorganize and hold the races, but they were unsuc- cessful. This year they did manage to organize it, and the race was on. A long day was had by those who participated, but that did not deter the over 100 people who did. That number was lower than anticipated, said Nigro, but next year more inter- est is expected. " It was successful, since this was the first time we have had it in a long time. There was a lot of interest shown, " he said. One participatn, Dave Platt, Overland Park, KS senior and Oliver resident, said he enjoyed himself. " It was a good time, and everyone had fun, " he said. His team of 19 stu- dents raced in his uncle ' s canoe. It was not always a serious race, though. Platt ' s team purposely tipped over their canoe several times. Sponsored by the KU-K-State As- sociation of University Residence Halls, the race offered the residence hall and scholarship hall residents tha oppurtunity at some first hand interschool competition. McCollum Hall raced two teams, Oliver entered one, Hashinger entered one and the scholarship halls raced one as well. K-State entered 26 canoes. Fourth place was the highest KU finish. Nigro expressed hope for next year ' s race. " KU will host it. It will run from St. Mary ' s to Lawrence and we expect more people to come watch, " he said. " I felt it went real well. It ' s a good way to get involved with K-State; it ' s another competi- tion. " -by Stacy Weigman 10 ”