Author: mectt

The McMaster Engineering Concrete Toboggan Team (MECTT) has once again showcased their team spirit, securing the Spirit Cup at GNCTR 2024, for the second year in a row. This victory highlights the unity and dedication that defines the McMaster community.

GNCTR brings together engineering students from across Canada to compete in an exciting and challenging event. MECTT stood out not only for their toboggan design but also for their exceptional team spirit. The Spirit Cup is awarded to the team that best embodies collaboration, positivity, and community engagement throughout the competition. MECTT members made their impact by exhibiting high energy and support for one another and their fellow competitors.

Nik Bennett and Jack Ducheck, the 2023-2024 spirit captains, played a huge role in fostering this spirit. Their commitment to creating a motivated team, before and during the event, was evident in every aspect of the competition. Because of their leadership, MECTT made a lasting impression on everyone present at GNCTR.

For GNCTR 2024, the responsibility for MECTT’s superstructure was in the hands of sub-captains and graduating Mechanical Engineering students, Alisa Neang and Kristin Seymour.

Alisa and Kristin decided that this was the year to implement an innovative spin on the tradition of using steel for the toboggan’s superstructure. Although they had never been exposed to working with carbon fiber before, they decided to take on the challenge in the best interest of the team. Carbon fiber is proven to be a lighter and stronger material, and would substantially improve the toboggan’s aerodynamics. They completed their mission in St. John’s during February 2024, of making a faster and more successful toboggan.

Combined, Alisa and Kristin dedicated over 600 hours into the  carbon fiber superstructure. All of their time and hard work paid off. McMaster placed third overall, and fourth best superstructure at the competition. The toboggan performed very well and the entire team is proud of Kristin and Alisa’s accomplishments.