University of Virginia Library

"Wahoo-wah" Enters Derby

Thanks to members of
Student Council, the
University will have an entry in
the International Turtle Race
in Washington, D.C. on May 2.

Council members reached
into their pockets and dropped
$8 in a passed hat in response
to a proposal from
representative Ashley Wills at
last week's meeting to cover
the entry and rental fees for
the turtle who will represent
the University in the race,
sponsored annually by the
students at American
University.

All proceeds from the race
will be split between the
National Cerebral Palsy
Foundation and the
Washington Free Clinic.

The turtle, to be named
Wahoo-wah for the occasion,
will be less than six inches long
and will race down an inclined
ramp to a finish line in a water
trough 35 feet from the start.
Race rules state that turtles, all
of which must be named, can
only be urged on by cheers and
"turtle love calls."

"We're hoping it will bite
the turtle from Maryland,"
noted one Student Council
member with a grin. The
member also noted that it was
a welcome relief from the
normally serious tone of
Student Council meetings.