GNCTR 101
Welcome to the four-day marathon that is GNCTR, or as many affectionately call it - Tbog. Whether you’re starting a new team, a first year on a legacy team, a judge, spectator, or vet with too much time on their hands, this guide will help prepare you to survive the competition.
Orientations
All competitors, alumni, judges, volunteers, and OC members will have to go through an orientation upon arrival. You’ll be instructed on how you’re expected to act, what to do in an emergency, what to expect in the next couple days, and of course sign a few waivers.
Opening Ceremonies
This is the official competition kick-off, where you’ll have dinner, meet your fellow competitors, and showcase your school’s theme through costumes and an interpretive dance. Why do you have to do a dance at opening ceremonies? Nobody knows, but it’s tradition. Your school’s theme should be incorporated into as many elements of the competition as possible; through your costume, dance, technical exhibit, and toboggan aesthetic. Themes are often inspired by pop-culture, retro references, or your school’s location.
Competitor Interaction Day
Dress warm but show off your costumes! The plan varies year-to-year, but typically it’s partially outside and all day long. You’ll be mixed up with the other teams to meet new friends, learn about the host city, and partake in meaningless tasks the OC assigns you.
Technical Exhibition Day
Get ready to wake up early! Teams will show up at first light to start building their technical displays out of the crate they shipped the toboggan in. Even though the exhibition might sound super serious, it’s not. There’s a very fun atmosphere, lots of chanting, and many teams will have games or challenges for you to participate in. Teams should incorporate as much of their theme in as possible, but still show off the technical aspects of their sled.
Only 2-3 people will present to the judges on the design of the toboggan, and should be in business attire (but change back into your costume when you’re done). The rest of your team should still know about the design and be able to explain the basics to a passerby.
Get ready to lighten your sled if you’re overweight or make some last minute changes to your toboggan if you don’t please the safety gods.
The spirit judges will also be making their way around, so be prepared to entertain them as a team.
Race Day
This is it! The day you’ve been preparing for all your life. Your tbogg will be put through the paces in three different races… if you make it down the hill. The first will be a drag race, where it’s all about speed and how fast you can stop. Next you’ll be tested on your steering in a slalom race (don’t worry, it’s basically straight). Do well in the first two races, and you’ll be seeded into a playoff style bracket, where teams race head-to-head with the first to cross the line moving onto the next round. Defeat all other toboggans and you’ll be named the King-of-the-Hill!
Closing Ceremonies
Suit up! Closing ceremonies is a formal dinner where our sponsors will address you and your achievements (please be quiet and pay attention, they make this competition possible year after year). Once dinner is over, the awards presentation will start with the final award of the night, the Overall Champion and GNCTR Cup Winner, kicking off the party.