Members of the Penn State Mont Alto Woodsmen’s Team celebrate after returning from competition, holding the team trophy following a first-place finish at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen’s Meet. Front left to right: Dani Gebbler, Mikaela Mummert, Keisha Lopez-Parades, Joe Vogelsong; Back left to right: Nathan Susko, Garrett Worth, Calvin Wagner, Sam Watts and Mason Roessner.
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.
Members of the Penn State Mont Alto Woodsmen’s Team display individual and team awards after earning first place at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen’s Meet.
(Left to Right) Garrett Worth, Sam Watts, Brock Hoban, Reese Fedder, Mason Roessner, Calvin Wagner, Dani Gebbler, and Keisha Lopez-Parades, Not Pictured: Mikaela Mummert
The Woodsmen’s Team is rooted in the history of Penn State Mont Alto, which began in 1903 as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy, one of the nation’s first forestry schools. In 1929, the academy merged with Penn State, expanding opportunities for students while maintaining its strong foundation in forestry education.
Over time, the campus evolved into a Commonwealth Campus, broadening its academic offerings while preserving hands-on opportunities like the Woodsmen’s Team that connect students to the practical skills of the field of forestry. By excelling in both regional competitions, the Woodsmen’s Team not only achieved a milestone season but reinforced Penn State Mont Alto’s reputation for experiential learning and student achievement.
