As senior students in the Engineering program at Pittsburg State University, we are tasked with a final project. This year we represent the Cast in Steel team, which will create a Horseman's axe as a replica to Robert the Bruce's axe from the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. To do this, we will be designing, creating and testing our axe using an investment casting process, which we will then bring to a national competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan between April 13-17, 2026.

At this competition, hosted by the Steel Founders Society of America, the judges will be testing our axe against many different battle scenarios to see which team's axe is best. Pittsburg State is well-respected at this competition, winning awards such as Best Cast Guard and Pommel in 2020 and Best Overall in 2024. This year's competition requires our axe to be no greater than 3.3 lbs, no longer than than 31.5" overall, and our axe must exploit the casting process.

We would love your support as this project will prepare our team with a real world, hands-on experience and serve as a resource for future Pittsburg State students. Any contribution will go directly towards the purchase of materials and travel expenses for this project.

We thank you for your consideration of a gift towards making our educational experience and competition a success!

2025-2026 Cast in Steel Senior Project Team Members

From left to right:
Curtis Meyer (Quality Lead and Manufacturing Co-Lead), Manny Juarez (Manufacturing Lead), Tyler Dunnic (Documentation and Scheduling Lead), Trenton Smith (Team Lead), Aiden Baker (Design Lead and Quality Co-Lead), Mason White (Financial and Procurement Lead).

Faculty Advisor (not pictured): Quentin Holmes

Below is a breakdown of all expenses.

Total budget for project - $6,182.55

Support 2025-2026 PSU Cast in Steel Senior Project

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