UAM Forestry Club claims top spot in technical events category, second overall at Texas timbersports competition
Nov. 17, 2025
By Traci Rushing
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- UAM Forestry Club finishes first in technical events, second in physical events
- Forestry Club earns second-place overall finish at the Lake Striker Axe Days
- UAM will host 2026 Conclave, March 19-21
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(Newsrooms: with art)
MONTICELLO, Ark. — Showcasing skill and teamwork, the University of Arkansas at Monticello Forestry Club had a successful day at the 2025 Lake Striker Axe Days, bringing home a first-place finish in the technical events category and securing a second-place overall finish at the competition.
The Nov. 8 event pitted teams from UAM, Stephen F. Austin University, Louisiana State University and Louisiana Tech in technical and physical contests. The technical events tested participants’ forestry knowledge and expertise. The physical events, which included axe throwing and log chopping, trace their roots back to the 19th century, when lumberjacks held friendly competitions after work to pass the time and showcase their skills.
Along with their success in the technical events, UAM’s team also finished second place in physical events, showcasing their well-rounded expertise in the field.
“We’re extremely proud of our students for their hard work and dedication,” said Laura Sims, faculty adviser for the UAM Forestry Club. “Their success reflects not only their skills but also the strong forestry education and hands-on experience they receive here at UAM.”
Individual highlights from team members included David Coussens, from Little Rock, who placed first in Wood Identification in the technical portion of the competition. Tate Tanner, of Maumelle, took first place in the Men’s Underhand Chop — one of the signature physical events of the competition. The underhand chop simulates the technique needed to cut a felled tree. Standing on a block of wood, the contestant must use an axe to cut through the block from both sides.
“This competition was a great opportunity to test our skills and learn from other schools,” said Tanner, who also serves as president of the UAM Forestry Club. “We’ve got a strong team this year, and we’re proud to represent UAM wherever we compete.”
The Lake Striker Axe Days is an annual timbersports competition hosted by the Sylvans, the forestry club and timbersports team at Stephen F. Austin University For participating teams across the West Gulf region, the event offers a chance to strengthen team bonds, connect with other forestry clubs and prepare for the upcoming Association of Southern Forestry Clubs’ Annual Conclave.
Looking Ahead
The UAM Forestry Club will host the 2026 Association of Southern Forestry Clubs’ 67th Annual Conclave on March 19-21 in Monticello. The upcoming timbersports competition is expected to bring more than 250 competitors from across the region to campus for a weekend of skill, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the exciting display of collegiate timbersports in action.
For more information about the UAM Forestry Club or to get involved with the 2026 Conclave hosted by UAM, contact Sims at simsl@uamont.edu or 870-460-1449. Visit the club’s website at www.uamtimbersports.com for 2026 Conclave updates and information.
About the UAM Forestry Club
The mission of the UAM Forestry Club is to educate others about natural resources, support the community and provide students in natural resources with a welcoming group for assistance and friendship. The club is part of the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and operates under the leadership of forestry faculty. For more than 60 years, the club has represented UAM at the Association of Southern Forestry Clubs’ Annual Conclave, showcasing the students’ physical timbersports abilities and technical expertise in the field.
About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center
The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Traci Rushing
trushing@uada.edu
870-460-1852