Mont Alto Woodsmen’s Team earns dual titles, continuing a legacy of excellence

MONT ALTO, Pa. - The Penn State Mont Alto Woodsmen's Team made history this year, earning first place at both the John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen's Meet and the Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet - a first in nearly 20 years for the campus to win both titles in the same year.

The team secured the Cradle of Forestry title with 109 points, nearly doubling the score of second-place West Virginia University. Momentum carried into the Mid-Atlantic competition, where Mont Alto placed first overall with 139 points, winning 12 of 22 events and adding four second-place finishes.

"I am very proud of the work that these students have put into the team this year." said Alex Storm, lecturer of forestry and Forest Technology Program coordinator. "Their goal was to win both competitions this year, and they did just that. My hope is that their memories of team spirit and comradery are as lasting as their names etched on these trophies."

The team's success was driven by strong individual and group performances across events testing physical endurance, technical skill and academic knowledge of forestry.

From log-rolling and pole-climbing to technical forestry knowledge, students demonstrated a balance of traditional sills and applied learning that defines the program.