Lumberjack Team Takes First Place in 2021 John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet

 

Haywood Community College recently hosted the 30^th John G. Palmer Woodsmen’s Meet. The event, which is usually held at the Cradle of Forestry, was held on the college campus due to recent flooding and the COVID19 pandemic. In addition to HCC’s Lumberjack Team, North Carolina State University, Western Carolina University, Montgomery Community College, and West Virginia University also competed.  The HCC lumberjacks were the reigning champions entering the event, having won the overall points competition in 2019, which was the last time it was held.   

HCC Lumberjacks secured the team victory with a total score of 118 points, over the second-place NC State, who compiled 109 points throughout the competition. West Virginia University rounded out the top three with a total of 52 team points.

Every HCC team member placed first in at least one event and had multiple second and third finishes.  The following is a list of first-place finishes by HCC students: 

• Quiz bowl – Darby Hand, Dylan Mahaffey, John Campbell, Garrett McCarson
• Archery – Austin Harvey
• Water Boil – Ryan Church & John Campbell
• Pulp Toss for Accuracy – Ezra Messer, Andrew Okpych, John Campbell, Shay Parton, Ryan Church & Dylan Mahaffey
• Men’s Cross Cut – Darby Hand & Andrew Okpych
• Jack and Jill Cross Cut – Olivia Hedden & Andrew Okpych
• Men’s Pole Climb – Dylan Mahaffey
• Women’ Pole Climb – Shay Parton

“I was extremely impressed with and proud of the performance of our team at this past weekend’s Woodsmen’s Meet,” explains Alexander Storm, HCC Lumberjack Coach and Natural Resources Instructor. “For many of the students, this is their first opportunity to compete in their time here at HCC.  Each team member worked diligently over the last month to develop the skills necessary to compete at a high level. The fact that every student placed first in at least one event is evidence of their commitment to success. We thank all faculty, staff, friends, and family who came out in support of the event.”  

(Left) Photo by Lee White. Pictured is HCC student Dylan Mehaffey in the Pole Fell Event.

(Right) Photo by Lee White. Haywood Community College recently hosted the 30^th John G. Palmer Woodsmen’s Meet. Pictured is Alexander Storm, HCC Lumberjack Coach and Natural Resources Instructor.

 

 

(Left) Photo by Dr. Shelley White. Pictured left to right are students Shay Parton and Olivia Hedden competing in the Jill and Jill Cross Cut event.

(Right) Photo by Dr. Shelley White. HCC’s Lumberjack Team finished in first place in the 30^th John G. Palmer Woodsmen’s Meet. Pictured left to right is Darby Hand, Garrett McCarson, John Campbell, Dylan Mehaffey, Ezra Messer, Olivia Hedden, Coach Alex Storm, Andrew Okpych, Austin Harvey, Ryan Church, and Shay Parton.