Turtle Races at ECC

By Audrey Ellis, Staff Writer

Imagine a roaring crowd waiting in suspense, eager to see which racer would make it to the finish line first. The racers? Not wooden cars, not human runners, but turtles moving as fast as their little legs can carry them. 

According to the ECC Horizon, ECC’s very own yearbook, the turtle races were an annual tradition in the early days of the college. Turtle racing itself was no new idea, early newspapers from around Franklin County show the practice going back to the 1930’s, if not further. With the sport already popular across the region, it made sense that ECC students would want to host races of their own, and they did throughout the 1970’s.

Unlike some places that painted their turtle shells for decoration, photo evidence shows that the ECC turtles remained unpainted. Which is a relief, since shell painting is now known to be harmful for their health. Still, the tradition eventually faded. Whether it be from unpopularity or the concern for the racers health.

Turtle racing has stopped in many communities, including ones close to home, due to concerns about both the turtles and people handling them. Information from The Huffington Post suggests wild turtles can carry salmonella without looking sick, which can cause a case of surprise illness on anyone who touches them. The removal of turtles from their homes also causes issues, as stated by Missouri Wildlife Rescue Center. Box turtles, which are common in Missouri, have what are called homing instincts. They can and most likely will spend all their energy trying to return to their homes. When they are taken and placed somewhere off their path they can get themselves into danger trying to get home. 

East Central has had many traditions over the years and continues to try to have fun events for its students. Some traditions were quirky, some unforgettable, and some like the turtle races remind us that school spirit can take many forms. Even though the turtle races are long gone, they remain a reminder that school pride comes in many shapes and speeds.