SWEPCO had two teams compete in the Great Cardboard Boat Race benefitting the Greater Longview United Way. Pictured behind the Power Rangers and Grid Guardian vessels are: Lineman A Chase Towe, Senior Key Account Manager Ryan Martin, Engineer Jose Elizondo, Customer Services Account Representative Carrie Doerge, her sister Wendi Ferguson, Rory Ferguson, Administrative Assistance Paige Heath, Lineman B Jacob Bryant, External Affairs Manager Mark Robinson, Lalo Aguilar, Senior Chemist Amanda Gann, and Customer Services Coordinator Twila Dunlap. Not pictured are employees and volunteers who helped build the boats and cheer on the teams: April Bailey, Sylvia Cardenas, Victoria Cardenas, Judy Stokes, Kenny Medford, Becky Rountree, Benny Rountree, Nancy Elizondo, Jarrod Ferguson, and Brooklynn Robinson, Austin Robinson, Evelyn Robinson and Kelly Phillips.
SWEPCO employees celebrated creativity, teamwork, and community spirit at the 2025 Great Cardboard Boat Race, themed “Super Heroes Set Sail.” Held at Teague Park Pond, this annual event benefits the Greater Longview United Way and attracted a record 21 teams eager to showcase their cardboard craftsmanship and paddling skills.
Each year, local teams answer the call of the open water, armed with cardboard, tape, and imagination. They construct whimsical boats that range from seaworthy to sink-worthy. Regardless of the outcome, both participants and spectators revel in the fun.
SWEPCO entered two teams into this year’s competition: the Power Rangers, captained by Wendi Ferguson and Chase Towe from the Henderson District, and the Grid Guardians, led by Lalo Aguilar, Jacob Bryant and Paige Heath from the Longview District. Both teams were supported by more than 12 colleagues and their families who helped build the boats and cheer them on, including Ryan Martin, Jose Elizondo, Carrie Doerge, Rory Ferguson, Mark Robinson, Austin Robinson, Evelyn Robinson Kelly Phillips, Lalo Aguilar, Amanda Gann, Twila Dunlap, April Bailey, Sylvia Cardenas, Victoria Cardenas, Judy Stokes, Kenny Medford, Becky Rountree, Nancy Elizondo, Jarrod Ferguson, and Brooklynn Robinson.
As the race began, excitement filled the air. Teams donned creative costumes that matched their themes, transforming the pond into a vibrant spectacle. Paddlers navigated their cardboard crafts through challenging heats, showcasing their determination and teamwork.
“The Great Cardboard Boat Race is more than just a competition; it’s a way for us to come together as a community and support a great cause,” said Mark Robinson, External Affairs Manager in Longview. “Seeing our teams out there, having fun and pushing their limits, is truly inspiring.”
When the final heat concluded, the results were announced. SWEPCO’s Grid Guardians proudly secured second place overall, while the Power Rangers received the Cardboard Crusader Award for their final race performance among non-finalist boats. Additionally, the Grid Guardians earned the Way to Live UNITED Award, presented by United Way staff to the team that best embodies the spirit of community.
The Great Cardboard Boat Race proved once again to be a fantastic celebration of camaraderie and support for a noble cause, leaving participants excited for next year’s adventure on the water.