Lake County Gazette

Five student athletes at Barrington High School got things to tilt in their favor recently, and Athletic Director Mike Obsuszt couldn't be happier.

"We are very proud of these student-athletes," Obsuszt told the Lake County Gazette. 

Sara Hawe of the water polo team, Connor Abel of the football and lacrosse teams, cheerleader Hanna VanNess, soccer player Michayla Herr and tennis player Joe Wolff won this year's $16,000 prize in the Business Incubator course contest.

The group created a business called Tilt Factor, which provides a stand to hold a 5-gallon water cooler and tilt it when the water level gets low to ensure every drop is used. The team saw the need for something to fix the common business-setting problem of water coolers that stop dispensing even when there is more than enough left. They say consumers who use the product can save up to 186 gallons of water a year.

"They were able to win this contest by using creative thinking and problem-solving skills," Obsuszt said. "More importantly, working together as a team to come up with the final product."

Obsuszt said every member used his or her strengths to contribute to the win: Hawe was the engineer, Wolff looked over the funds and legal matters, and VanNess, Herr and Abel used their speaking skills to create the marketing and promotional aspects.

"They came up with the idea through personal experiences in athletics and used teamworking skills to make that idea a reality," Obsuszt said.

A majority of their winnings will pay the legal fees for their patent on the product. The group also has launched a website to allow anyone to order, although they plan to sell Tilt Factor by the end of the school year.

So far, cooler manufacturer Igloo is a top contender.