Dowdye has a strong background in athletics, including significant contributions to the football programs at the University of Rhode Island, Brown University, Northeastern University, and several colleges in the South.
Taunton was represented by Keychain Kreations and T-Tags from Taunton High School, advised by business teacher Jesse MacPhail and Upcycles R Us from Taunton Alternative High School, advised by science teacher Laura Palumbo. The other five teams were from Fall River and New Bedford.