Members of the Inven-Team from the Center for Advanced Technical Studies placed 1st at the Annual Pumpkin Chunkin’ competition Oct. 26.

Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity at the University of South Carolina hosts the annual event.

InvenTeam members included Connor Hempy, Amare Johnson, and Colten Jackson.

“I have always wanted to build a trebuchet, so this year was very exciting to see a vision become reality and take part in the competition,” said Jackson.

The team competed with a traditional rotating arm trebuchet of their own design. The weight-driven catapult threw a 2-pound ball using a maximum of 100 pounds of counterweight.

Pumpkin Chunkin’ teams were judged on 3 aspects: Knowledge and presentation of design, accuracy to a 60-foot goal, and maximum distance.

In the accuracy event the 2 throws scored were within 1 foot of the mark with a maximum distance achieved of 119-feet, beating last year’s distance by 9 feet.

The InvenTeam is a group of students who promote a culture of invention. They engage in problem-based learning that fosters STEM-based skills.

InvenTeam promotes teamwork, idea-sharing and civic-mindedness.

InvenTeam Coach and Aerospace Engineering Instructor at The Center Dr. Martin Cwiakala said, “We are thankful for organizations like Theta Tau that provide opportunities for our students and support STEM efforts in high schools through their Pumpkin Chunkin’ event.”