Among 20 other competing schools across the U.S., the University of Nevada, Reno concrete canoe team placed third overall in this year's National Concrete Canoe Competition June 9-11 at the University of Texas.

This marks the 11th year in a row that the civil engineering students have earned a national appearance. Nevada has placed within the top five in the country in almost every year they have competed, claiming first in 2008 and 2014. Over 500 schools compete on the regional level before the top 21 schools are selected for nationals.

"The College of Engineering and the University are very proud and grateful of the sustained excellence of our concrete canoe team," College of Engineering Dean Manos Maragakis said. "Congratulations to all the members of the team for their focused, dedicated and highly competent effort that led to this wonderful result."

The competition consists of four aspects, including canoe aesthetics, a technical paper, an oral presentation, as well as multiple races, from sprint to endurance. Nevada placed in the top five in most aspects, a strong showing with 21 competing teams. The team placed fourth in the oral presentation and design paper as well as taking home second in the women's sprint and men's endurance races.

"The team has once again upheld not only its tradition of excellent performance but also its distinct attitude towards others," Evan Jordan, team project manager, said. "Our members demonstrated camaraderie as well as sportsmanship in their respect towards other teams and participants."

The purpose of the competitive event is to provide civil engineering students hands-on experience working with one of the world's most common building materials - concrete - in a unique and interesting way, all while showcasing to the public how dynamic and innovative the field of engineering can be.

Now the college can take a short respite before starting their 2017 canoe this coming September, in the annual nine-month-long project.

"We hope in the coming year to not only uphold the integrity of the University of Nevada, Reno and the College of Engineering but also to improve on our past achievements and to continue aspiring for greater accomplishments," Danielle Palffy, team project manager, said.

The concrete canoe competition is sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Race results, as well as other information on the program, can be found at the ASCE website.