May 6, 2008

Chicago, Ill. - NCAA All-Around Finalist Andrew Stover recently participated in the 2008 Chicago Innovation Chase Competition hosted by the Illinois Institute of Technology on Friday, April 11.

Stover and his teammates Aaron Miles, Darnell Shields, and Joel Villegas placed second in the annual competition featuring undergraduate entrepreneurs from eight Midwestern universities.

The competition consisted of three parts: one part scavenger hunt, one part business building, and one part invention. Each team started off with a single clue and was required to complete a variety of tasks in a five-hour time period. These tasks included a written opportunity assessment, a rapid prototyping exercise, and an elevator pitch in a different downtown Chicago location.

Stover's team developed a cell phone application that would consolidate bank and credit accounts and allow people to use it as a payment device.

"The event was probably the best thing I've done with my education here at UIC," said Stover. "I don't think I've learned so much in one day. I truly learned what it means to be an entrepreneur and it reminded me why I'm an entrepreneurship major."

Stover has also been a Motorola Scholar since his freshman year.

"He's sacrificed workouts just to prepare for the competition," said head coach CJ Johnson. "I'm very proud of his accomplishments."

Assistant coach Charley Nelson feels the same way.

"Andrew is a leader both in the gym and the classroom," said Nelson. "His personality and work ethic lead him toward high achievement, and they also inspire his teammates to reach for higher goals."

For more information regarding the 2008 Chicago Innovation Chase Competition, click on the link below:

www.chicagoinnovationchase.com/#chasehome