SAFECON Region VI Competition in St. Louis: Friday Awards Night

By Carmelo Turdo

St. Louis University's Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology was proud to host SAFECON Region VI competition last week at St. Louis Downtown Airport.  The week-long event was sponsored by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) to encourage college student aviators to interact with fellow students at other institutions while sharpening their flying skills and aviation knowledge.  Thanks to the perfect weather all week and the excellent teamwork shown by staff and competitors, Friday's scheduled makeup schedule was not needed.  All that remained was the awards ceremony held Friday evening at St. Louis University's DuBourg Hall.  Though the official results are yet to be published, the awards reflect the scoring submitted by the NIFA judges following all events.

The participating teams and NIFA staff gathered in the beautiful arched plank and panel Sinquefield Stateroom on the fourth floor of DuBourg Hall for the awards banquet.  The team members formed a buffet line that snaked around sculptures of Native American icons, including Geronimo, as photos of the week's SAFECON activities from The Aero Experience were shown on a screen at center stage.  Anticipation filled the hall as the banquet progressed and pleasantries were expressed by several speakers.  The event was emceed by Amy Preis, SAFECON Region VI competition coordinator representing St. Louis University.



Amy Preis from St. Louis University Opens the awards ceremony

Chief Judge Eric Barton congratulates participants and awardees

Several members of the St. Louis University Flying Billikens earned multiple medals and trophies:

 

Members of the Oklahoma State University team accept the Overall School Team Award:

 

SAFECON Region VI competition coordinator Amy Preis is honored:

 

Several Teams remained for group photos:

 

St. Louis University Flying Billikens



Overall Top Performing Team Oklahoma State University

 The Aero Experience thanks NIFA, St. Louis University Flying Billikens, Ideal Aviation, the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, St. Louis Downtown Airport, and the participating teams for their hospitality during our week-long coverage of the SAFECON Region VI competition in St. Louis.  Check back soon for a wrap-up, including exclusive cockpit views of practice spot-landings with St. Louis University Flying Billikens Coach, Jack Schwarz.