Penn College's Earth Science Center Again to Host Woodsmen's Meet

Students from Pennsylvania College of Technology and four other institutions will compete when the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Woodsmen's Meet returns to the college's Schneebeli Earth Science Center on April 17.

Participants will compete in a dozen event categories from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including archery, ax throw, crosscut saw, log roll, pulp toss, pole fell, chain saw and speed chop. In addition to the host, students will represent Penn State Mont Alto; Allegany College of Maryland; Haywood Community College, Clyde, N.C.; and Montgomery Community College, Troy, N.C.

Penn College team members are Sandra M. Angstadt, Kutztown; James D. Aumiller III, Williamsport; Gregory M. Christina, Summerhill; Matthew A. Daubert, Burnham; Michael C. Dickert, Newtown; Amanda K. Fetter, Stevens; Michael C. Frantz, Loganton; Cody J. Fye, Bigler; John P. Gildea and Michael McGrady, Bear Creek Township; Thomas D. Miller, Wellsboro; Zachary J. Mishaw, Worton, Md.; Brian A. Tomassacci, Shickshinny; Kelly J. Tome, Muncy; Christopher H. Trough, Ashland; Benjamin A. Walk, Montgomery; and Coy R. Weller, Middleburg.

With the exception of Angstadt, who is enrolled in the ornamental horticulture: landscape technology emphasis major; all are either current or past forest technology students in the college's School of Natural Resources Management. Aumiller and Tomassacci additionally are in the surveying technology curriculum, and Miller is a technology management student.

The event, hosted by the college for the first time since 2004, also will feature a regional leg of the Timbersports Challenge conducted by co-sponsor Stihl Inc., "the official chain saw" of the competition, from noon to 1 p.m.

Participating schools will select their best lumberjack Penn College has chosen Daubert to go head-to-head in four lumberjack disciplines: single buck, standing block chop, stock saw and underhand chop. The highest point-getter earns a spot in the Stihl Timbersports Collegiate Championship, to be held this summer during the Oregon State Fair.

Other sponsors for the Woodsmen's Meet are Lewis Lumber Co., Wheeland Lumber Co. and Gander Mountain.

The public is welcome for the competition as well as to walk the campus's nature trails and to view displays by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. There is no admission fee.

The day's activities, which include a 40th anniversary reunion of Williamsport Area Community College and Penn College forestry alumni, will be held at 203 Allenwood Camp Lane, Montgomery (just off Route 15, 10 miles south of the college's main campus in Williamsport). There is a $15 fee for forestry alumni, who also can participate in student-led tours and enjoy lunch catered by the college's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.

"We are looking forward to another great reunion with our forestry grads," said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. "Our last reunion offered a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships and highlight for alumni the many changes in our forestry program."

Forestry alumni can RSVP by contacting Alumni Relations at 877-PCT-ALUM (877-728-2586).

To find out more about the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Woodsmen's Meet or the academic programs offered through the School of Natural Resources Management at Penn College, visit online or call 570-320-8038. For more about Penn College, visit on the Web , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.