SFA Sylvans tie for first place in Arkansas State Lumberjack Competition

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s timbersports team, the Sylvans, tied for first place in the collegiate portion of the 37th annual Arkansas State Lumberjack Competition held in Sheridan, Arkansas. 

“This was one of the tightest competitions we’ve had since our return from the COVID-19 hiatus,” said Dr. Jeremy Stovall, SFA professor of silviculture and Sylvans faculty advisor. 

The Sylvans team, comprising 17 SFA students, competed in seven different physical events against the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Louisiana Tech University.

The Sylvans placed first in the women’s bowsaw and Jack and Jill crosscut; second in the single buck crosscut, axe throw and men’s bowsaw; and third in the double-buck crosscut and underhand chop. 

Additionally, Tyler Jones, Sylvans team member and current holder of the Southern Forestry Conclave axe-throwing record, took fifth place in the professional division of the axe-throwing competition. 

Ken Bragg, SFA alumnus, past Sylvans president and member of the Arkansas State House of Representatives, officiated the competition. The event also  was organized by SFA alumnus Karl Hansen, among others.