Williamson’s landscape construction and management (LCM) students competing in the 50th annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., from March 18-21, came in 21st competing against students from 52 colleges and universities from across the country in 30 competitive events.
Williamson’s team, comprised of 14 seniors and 10 juniors, competed in 30 team and individual competitions, in a wide range of events, achieving six top ten finishes in equipment operation, design, and installation events.
The top ten finishers were: Maddox Hignett – 5th place, Compact Excavator Operation; Landen Nott – 5th place, Compact Track/Skid Steer Loader Operation; Michael Krakovitz – 5th place, Sales Presentation; Michael Sheller and Cole Locklear – 6th place, Hardscape Installation (team); Christian Bevidas – 7th place, Landscape Lighting; and Joseph O’Donovan – 8th place, Mini Track Loader Operation.
Additionally, several students contributed in multiple events: Joseph O’Donovan competed in Mini Track Loader Operation and Landscape Maintenance Operations; Cole Locklear participated in Interior Landscape Design and Hardscape Installation; Christian Bevidas competed in Landscape Lighting and Irrigation Assembly; Michael Sheller participated in multiple team events, including Hardscape Installation and Truck and Trailer Operation.
Several other students competed in national-level events, including plant identification, estimating, diagnostics, and technical skills competitions.
Dave Day, director of landscape construction and management, said “I am pleased with the showing our students made. It was a broad-based team effort across all competition areas. We are competing against colleges and universities that have been competing for many years and we held our own.”
NCLC, hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, provides an opportunity for students to meet students and industry professionals from across the country and to test their knowledge and skills in real world competitive events. In addition to competitions, they attend educational workshops and a career fair representing every aspect of the green industry, learn about new industry products, and do some networking. It is hoped the competitions will increase the students’ confidence and their interest in the field.
A big thank you goes to Williamson’s supporters who make this worthwhile opportunity possible: Ruppert Landscape, Garden Club of Bala Cynwyd, Green Weaver Landscapes, Yellowstone Landscape, and Radley Run Garden Club.
Other seniors who participated were: Dylan Brophy, Devon Cathcart, Colin Catrambone, Zachary Ladislaw, Gabriel McGlinchey, Ramel Sampson, Hudson Turner, and Steve White. Juniors were: Gary Avila, Declan Behl, Tyler Dragan, David Ebersole, Marcos Karasavas, Joseph Mastella, Gavin Porter, Denton Reff, and Antonio Silva.
Going with the students, in addition to Day, was Bill King, grounds supervisor.
