The Stephen F. Austin State University Sylvans timbersports team claimed its seventh consecutive victory at the 66th annual Association of Southern Forestry Clubs Conclave, marking the Sylvans’ 19th overall Conclave title. A highlight of this year’s competition was Holly Parkin and Maddie Sweeten’s record-setting performance in the women’s crosscut event.
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.
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
By University Marketing Communications
