AISC Cancels Steel Bridge Competition at SUNY Canton

Canton, NY (03/24/2020) — In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the New York State Governor's PAUSE executive order, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has cancelled the 2019-2020 Steel Bridge Competition.

SUNY Canton was previously scheduled to hold the Upstate New York Regional Competition beginning April 23 in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. The Roos House is also currently closed until further notice.

Officials from AISC noted they made the decision when participating schools and universities had discontinued all in-person activities, including their individual student-run steel bridge teams.

"In order to minimize losses, the Rules Committee will keep the bridge geometry the same for the 2020-2021 school year competition, with other rules subject to change," said AISC Director of Education Christina Harber. "We know how dedicated and passionate you are about this competition, but we ask you to stop work until next year."

At SUNY Canton, students were handling event planning and logistics for the multi-day competition. Those duties came in addition to designing a competition-ready bridge, according to the team's advisor and instructional support associate Paul D. Hitchman.

"Our students are disappointed, but they also realize that this was the right move," Hitchman said. "We've got a great bridge nearing completion and we'll be able to pick up right where we left off next year."

The college is in discussions with AISC about hosting next year's competition.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 21 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.