The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, April 08, 1974, Page Page 2, Image 2
RACE
an engineer.
Most of the other rafts consisted
of inner tubes connected in some
fashion to form an almost
seaworthy construction.
Numerous rafts were simply inner
tubes with sheets of plywood at
tached to the top to form a deck.
Bill Sandow's and Charles
Kahaly's raft consisted of four
inner tubes with bamboo poles
lashed across the top. Extending
from the main deck was a flagpole,
proudly flying a German World
War I Veteran's flag, who the men
claimed to represent.
The award for "special effects"
went to junior Mendel Boykin and
sophomore Billy Culler, who must
be commended for bravery for
negotiating the Saluda on a raft
constructed of two styrofoam
motorcycle shipping crates.
The "Most creative raft" award
went to Captain Richard Ewing
and his crew. Their raft was made
from nine large plastic chemical
drums. In the words of a crewma
"It rides like a Cadillac, but it
stinks."
One unseaworthy craft was
being carried up from the river,
despair wtitten all over the
crewmen's faces. An observer
found humor in their misfortune
and asked, "What's the matter, did
you try your raft out?"
An inebriated mariner was lying
on his vessel playing his har
18
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Thurs.- 2O0Q
Headquaters.f
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From I
monica, , apparently unconcernc
that his dubiously constructed ra
would not withstand the voyage
"Damn the torpedoes, and har
me another beer," he shouted.
In an effort to protect the cast c
his leg, one aspiring seaman ha
carefully wrapped a plastic ba
around his leg.
With the announcement that tt
race was about to begin, there wz
a mass migration to the river bani
Very few of the rafts were law
ched in accordance with Navi
regulations. As most contestanl
approached the river bank, the
stepped in the slippery mud an
fell into the river, thus christenin
their ships.
Bcause the landing area wa
so small, contestants were ir
formed they had to paddle ul
stream in order to make room fo
the other christenings. The sailor
were wearing themselves out jus
preventing themselves fror
. starting prematurely.
The Queen Mary of the rafts wa
a mammoth construction of som
20 inner tubes, which more closel
resembled a barge. The luxuriou
vessel accomodated eigh
passengers and even had
separate inner tube which housed
full-sized trashcan full of ice an
beer.
The 3.5 mile race originate
from the WIS radio station near th
Saluda River and conclude
sza Night
Draft Night
ii .:::: ::::::: .......... . ICK I ST.
estern Look
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yr most anything
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age One
shortly beyond the rapids acros
t from Interstate 26.
1 Approximately 200 peopl
gathered on the rocks to watch th
seafarers negotiate th
treacherous rapids.
First to cross the finish line ani
totally outclassing all competitioi
were Clayton Dahlen and Mik,
Tarlton. They won two kegs o
beer for their efforts in over
powering the course in a time of 6
minutes.
Second place was captured b,
Richard Ewing, Steve Phillips
Van Horton, Mark Drenner ani
Ron Hurden, piloting theii
"Chemical barrel" over the cours4
in 82 minutes.
Third place overall and first ii
the independent division went ti
Jack Hutchins, Erick Drumm
Craig Ellis, Robert Kelly, Garl
Morris, Blake Forbes, Bruc4
Hough and Richard Carter,
The only all-woman raft place(
fourth, a tribute to Carolyn How(
and Vicki Harvey. Coming into the
rapids they were in a commanding
third position, but wer(
sidetracked by the disagreeabl(
currents and lost valuable time
The raft that had the easiest timf
shooting the rapids was apparently
the "Queen Mary," By the tim(
they reached the ticklish obstach
everyone was so drunk they nc
longer cared about their finishing
time.
f *
Ii
Some USC students take advantage of the w
in front of the Russell House basking in the
sickles. Some don't. Somehow, sitting in the r
beer sounds a little strange, but at least it's ref
Courtney Dicely.
a*
fAWXHON5 BY
DAV ISONS
6~2&O4CA
I
arm weather by sitting
sun, munching on pop
flection pool sipping a
reshing. Staff Photo by
O67