On a day that saw a record number 110 pumpkins survive the 11-story drop from atop West Virginia University’s Engineering Sciences Building, it was team no. 57 from Mountaineer Middle School in Morgantown that took top honors in the 29th Annual Pumpkin Drop. Their pumpkin landed just two-feet, one-inch from the target, earning them the $100 first prize.
Two teams tied for second place, with their pumpkins landing just two-feet, 11-inches from the target. Gilmer County High School team no. 138 and team no. 132 from Fairmont Catholic Grade School were both awarded checks of $50.
Team 168 from Suncrest Middle School in Morgantown finished third, with their pumpkin landing three-feet, 10-inches from the target. The team was awarded $25.
The competition, which aims to teach engineering concepts by designing an enclosure to protect the pumpkin from damage when dropped from the roof of the building, saw teams from West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The event was sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers chapter at WVU. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown.