Three UF students are depending on Red Bull to give them wings while racing through Europe as part of an international competition.
The Beach Bull Blondies will be representing UF on April 4 at the “Red Bull Can You Make It?” competition.
The team consists of 21-year-old UF telecommunication senior Kate Wenzel, 21-year-old UF microbiology junior Natalie Palmer and 22-year-old UF environmental engineering senior Tessa Syvertsen.
The competition drops students at various places in Europe with the goal of finding their way to Berlin in seven days, according to the website. The prize is a giant party hosted by Red Bull.
The best 100 college teams from around the world will be equipped with a welcome kit: a Moto G mobile phone, a sealed envelope with emergency funds and a case of 24 cans of Red Bull.
The teams can check in at 30 locations throughout Europe using their Moto G phones. A minimum of six check ins are required before arriving at the finish line. There’s one catch: Contestants can’t use money. Only Red Bull cans can be used as currency to receive food, accommodation and transportation.
“Each of us bring something different to the table, yet all (of us) being extroverted helps the most,” Wenzel said. “Also, we all are very athletic. In which case, (if) we end up walking to Berlin, we are set.”
Natalie Boone, a 21-year-old family, youth and community sciences junior, helped the team create its submission video.
“The focus of the video was to show their adventurous, beachy, free-spirited side so that Red Bull could see how perfect a match these girls are,” said Boone. “These girls embody student life at UF.”
With only 24 cans for bartering, the team has been working on a strategy.
“I can’t reveal the winning strategy,” Wenzel said. “I will tell you: We are firm believers on doing things last minute and going with the flow.”
The team is anticipating its fair share of obstacles.
“The most challenging thing will be food, I think.” Syvertsen said. “You should see Kate when she’s hungry.”
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 3/21/2014 under the headline "UF blondes take Europe with Red Bull"]
Three UF students are seeking Red Bull’s assistance while competing in Europe. The Beach Bull Blondies will be participating in the Red Bull: Can You Make It? challenge April 4.
