PENGUIN REGATTA AT YSU Canoeing high schoolers have a paddle ball

The Vindicator/William D. Lewis
It's spring. The end of school is in sight. What better time for a little fun? Above, Jeremy Brain, a senior at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, fights to keep his canoe afloat, while at left, Austintown Fitch High School students Matt Stambaugh, left, Troy Lyden and Tracey Marsolo paddle the same not-so-treacherous waters in the first Penguin Regatta in the Beeghly Center swimming pool at Youngstown State University. Tuesday's regatta featured 12 high school teams of eight students each competing for prizes in such categories as fastest and most people in one boat. The boats, made of cardboard and duct tape, were built by the students. Schools participating along with Fitch and MCCTC were Chaney, Lordstown, Springfield Local, South Range and Struthers. "These are full-size canoes that actually float," said Arlene Floyd, director of associate degree and technical prep programs at YSU, which sponsored the event.