University Star

Zach Edstrom may be racing in his organization’s soapbox car from last year, but is confident he will take his team to new heights at Friday’s Soap Box Derby.

Edstrom, mass communication sophomore and Mu Sigma Nu member, said he will give his team a literal leg up in this year’s derby. His 6-feet-9-inch frame is what he hopes will be the secret to winning the race.

Student organizations, residence halls and greek organizations participate 2 p.m Friday in the annual Soap Box Derby. The event has been held since 1967.

Eddie Perez, Order of Omega president, said the location of this year’s race has been changed.

Traditionally it is held on the hill in front of Commons Dining Hall. However, the race has been relocated to the front of the Student Recreation Center and the Family and Consumer Sciences building due to recent construction.

The tradition was first sponsored by the Interfraternity Council, but is now held by the Order of Omega. There are three brackets within the race: residence halls, greeks and student organizations.  Each car has two days to be inspected by the Order of Omega to be eligible to enter the race.

Edstrom said mental preparation and a “streamlined form” is the key to winning the race. His strategy differs from last year’s driver, who was afraid to ride down the hill without brakes.

Edstrom said he will use little to no brakes.

“I feel like we’re kind of the underdogs,” Edstrom said. “But we’ve got a lot of determination and heart.”

Edstrom said Mu Sigma Nu’s biggest rival is Theta Chi, but his fraternity’s strongest competition is a toss up between Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha.