Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– The Stephen F. Austin State University Sylvans timbersports team has once again claimed victory at the 66th annual Association of Southern Forestry Clubs Conclave, marking the Sylvans’ 19th overall Conclave title and extending their winning streak to seven consecutive Conclaves, tying the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s historic run from 1987 to 1993 as the longest ever.
Hosted this year by the Alabama A&M University’s Forestry Club, the event brought together 13 universities to compete in a series of rigorous technical and physical forestry-related events.
“This year’s win was another hard-fought battle, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s dedication and skill,” said Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Sylvans coach and a professor of forestry. “The record-setting women’s crosscut performance was truly electrifying to watch.”
The Sylvans secured first place in physical events and fourth place in technical events, earning a total of 263.5 points. The competition remained intense, with North Carolina State University finishing second with 245.5 points, Virginia Tech placing third with 209 points, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello taking sixth with 190 points.
A highlight of this year’s competition was the record-setting performance in the women’s crosscut event. SFA’s Holly Parkin and Maddie Sweeten set a new Conclave record, completing their cut in an astonishing 4.69 seconds — the fastest time recorded since the event’s inception in 1979.
The Sylvans demonstrated dominance in multiple events, securing the following first-place finishes:
• Women’s Crosscut — Holly Parkin and Maddie Sweeten, 4.69 seconds, new Conclave record
• Archery — Jacob Barrett, 140 points, including a perfect 54 points from 20 yards
• Men’s Log Chop — Trent Kline, 49.8 seconds, finishing nearly one minute ahead of second place
• Chain Throw — Paige Sumner and Katie Grenier, 76.86 seconds, 16 seconds ahead of second place
• Pole Climb — Weston Williams, 6.81 seconds, three seconds ahead of second place
• Men’s Bowsaw — Trent Kline, 15.645 seconds, edging out Virginia Tech by 0.2 seconds
• Jack & Jill Crosscut — Holly Parkin and Trent Kline, 7.08 seconds, which would have placed third in the men’s division
• Knife Throw — Jacob Barrett, 7 points
The Sylvans’ journey to Conclave was marked by a 1,400-mile trip, camping through severe weather conditions, and an adventurous detour to see Alabama’s largest tree, the Sipsey Big Tree. Their commitment and perseverance reflect the strong legacy of excellence that defines SFA’s forestry club and timbersports team.