Annual Cullowhee canoe race attracts racers, brings in money for river park

Becky and Burt Kornegay of the Caney Fork community placed second in the double open canoe competition at the 2012 Cullowhee Canoe Slalom.

The fourth annual Cullowhee Canoe Slalom held Sept. 8 on the Tuckaseigee River in Cullowhee raised a little more than $400 to help fund a river park feasibility study.

Race coordinator Maurice Phipps, professor of parks and recreation management in the WCU Department of Human Services, called the event a success. “It was a nice mix of community, families and students,” Phipps said.

Phipps thanked WCU students for planning and organizing the event as well as keeping time and judging during the competition; WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee for helping with the event preparations; Diamond Brand, Nantahala Outdoor Center and WCU Continuing Education for contributing prizes; and Bruce Prentice for allowing the use of his property for the competition.

2012 slalom results:

Men’s Kayak

• First place, Maurice Phipps
• Second place, Joe de Give
• Third place, Bob Beaudet

Kid’s Kayak

• First place, Griffin Murdock
• Second place, Aylan Myers
• Third place, McKayla Singleton

Women’s Kayak

• First place, Skylar Singleton

Double Open Canoe

• First place, Griffin and Todd Murdock
• Second place, Becky and Burt Kornegay
• Third place, Debby and Mark Singleton

Single Open Canoe

• First place, Perry Roy
• Second place, James Houtzer
• Third place, Taylor Murphree

C2 (Decked Double Canoe)

• First place, Griffin and Todd Murdock
• Second place, Murryn and Dan Myers
• Third place, Cindy and Maurice Phipps

Parent/Sprog (Child) Canoe

• First place, Angus and Michael Despeaux
• Second place, Hank and Jill Ingram

Stand-Up Paddleboard

• First place, Mark Singleton
• Second place, Debby Singleton