“rescUKats” Bring Collegiate Title to Lexington
Safety. Communication. Teamwork. In the mining industry, these three words not
only define how the day-to-day tasks should be carried out; they are vitally
important to the success of any operation. At the recent Eastern Collegiate Mine
Rescue Team competition, teams from Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and
Kentucky had the skills associated with these aforementioned words put to the test.
The contests featured six teams, each tasked with solving a hypothetical mine
emergency problem, while being timed and observed by judges ensuring they
adhered to a strict set of complex rules. The purpose of the contest is to sharpen the
skills and test the knowledge of each team in the event of a mine emergency. At the
conclusion of the event, the University of Kentucky was awarded the championship.
The fact that this was UK’s first ever mine rescue team speaks volumes on the
emphasis placed on safety, as well as the work ethic possessed by the students and
their trainer.
This is truly a moment of pride for the University of Kentucky, the Department of
Mining Engineering and the students involved with the team. The bar has been set
and the rescUKats hope to continue bringing back championships in future years.