By MEGAN SMITH

Staff Writer

The university’s Society of American Foresters chapter finished eighth out of 13 college forestry clubs in the overall standings at the 47th Annual Association of Southeastern Forestry Clubs Conclave.

Fifteen forestry students from Tech attended and competed in the conclave, hosted by Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., March 25 through 28.

Students participated in 22 physical and technical forestry events in the competition.

The University of Arkansas-Monticello finished first overall, over Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

William B. Patterson, an assistant professor in the School of Forestry and adviser for the Forestry Club, said, “All the forestry clubs exhibited a great spirit of cooperation and sportsmanship.”

Tech finished in fifth place or higher in eight events, which included plaques for two third place finishes.

Phil Wright, president of the Forestry Club and a junior forestry major, and Jason Lohman, a senior forestry major, won third place for log rolling. Lohman and Cory Collins, a junior forestry major, received a plaque for third place in chain throwing.

Ryan Shane, a senior forestry major, finished in fourth place in the timber estimation technical event.

Senior forestry majors Ronia Tappin and Daniel Suire each finished in fifth place in the diameter estimation and compass and pacing technical events.

Tappin and Aimee Robert, a senior forestry major, teamed up to capture fourth place in the women’s crosscut sawing event.

Fifth place in the women’s bowsaw went to Tamara Paul, a senior wildlife conservation major.

Wright also finished in fifth place in the pole classification event.

Wright said the conclave was a very rewarding experience.

“It builds leadership skills amongst the members, teaches people how to work in teams and builds camaraderie,” Wright said.

Wright said this event also teaches students about forestry.

“This event keeps the history of forestry and where it started in people’s minds,” Wright said. “It reminds us of how far forestry has come and where it is going.”

Patterson said for months before the conclave, students are focused on learning and practicing forestry skills.  

“Conclave is very important for the Forestry Club because it energizes

the members,” Paterson said.

Wright said anyone who is interested in the Forestry Club can come by and check it out.

“Students do not have to be in forestry to join,” Wright said. “Anyone from accounting majors to forestry majors is invited to become a part of the club.”