MCC Daily Tribune

Student-led ELC battles inclement weather in annual pumpkin launch

Clouds loomed and rain drizzled soaking pumpkins and students alike. On Friday, October 31st, six teams lined up their various means of pumpkin chucking from a bike-powered pressure launcher to a good old fashioned trebuchet. MCC's team led by President Connor Klute, Vice President Vitaliy Tymkiv, and Treasurer Benson Richardson, boldly faced five battle-hardened teams from the University of Rochester with a brand-new pumpkin slingshot (You might have seen them practicing in the back parking lot). RIT not in attendance, possibly too scared after losing the previous two years.

Beset by challenge after challenge, either Halloween was in effect or the group carried in the launcher and passed under a ladder. In addition to the weather, the crane-scale used to determine the force in the elastic bands hit the ground, broke open, and needed last-minute repairs. Thanks to an MCC alumni with a soldering kit in their car, the group was able to re-wire the scale and return to operation.

After it all, the ELC managed to place 2nd in distance - still beating four teams from UR. Much hard work and last-minute "vibes" went into making this year a great success. Gratitude goes out to all the MCC students who worked on the project, alumni who attended, Chloe Allen and the Office of Student Life & Leadership Development (OSLLD) team, Student Government Association (SGA), and the facilities crew for assisting with storing and retrieving the launcher.

Photo caption: MCC Team holding a banner that reads "Engineering Leadership Council".

Attached Files:
2025 Pumpkin Launch.jpg

Benjamin Schermerhorn
Engineering Science and Physics
11/10/2025