April 28, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 16)
Rock Phelps, who is majoring in product design and manufacturing engineering, works to shape a horseman’s axe in the Keller Engineering Laboratories ahead of the Cast in Steel competition.
The Padnos College of Engineering and the Steel Founders’ Society of America hosted nearly 60 university teams competing in the Cast in Steel competition at the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center in mid-April.
The competition challenges teams to design, cast and test a fully functional metal tool or weapon. This year's challenge was a horseman's axe. Before a television production crew, teams competed with their axes in a series of physical challenges.
The GVSU Casting Club sent two teams to the competition. Mechanical engineering major Aleena Curry said that while the "Axecutioners" did not advance to the finals, they enjoyed watching other teams.
"While we were nervous, we were glad to see that our axe held up against the strength and sharpness tests," Curry said. "As the host team for the competition, it was nice to be so close to home and in a familiar place."
Abishek Balsamy-Kamaraj, assistant professor of product design and manufacturing engineering, serves as the Casting Club advisor.
This article was last edited on April 22, 2026 at 11:16 a.m.
Aviation students can complete the Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Traverse City, or online, and have tangible professional benefits within the industry.
Featured
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Article by
Kate VanDerKolk
A Detroit News article centered on university governance and a Brookings article called the Thompson Scholars program a model solution for increasing access for students from middle-income families.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Now working in the Division of Enrollment Development and College Futures, Ngassa discusses how his background serves as a bridge between enrollment and academic affairs.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
