Jay Blackburn

Close-up of Jay Blackburn. 2007 National STIHL Intercollegiate champion

Jay Blackburn, 2007 Haywood Community College Forest Management graduate, never thought he would be considered a hero. But as the victor of the 2007 STIHL Intercollegiate championship, many may see him as one.

Jay has put in a lot of practice time to perfect his technique. He’s perfected it so much that he is now considered the best college athlete in the sport in the United States. As a result of the win, Blackburn secured a spot in the first round of the STIHL 2008 Professional Series.

Each year, HCC natural resources students compete at national levels making impressive showings as they outdo many students from four-year institutions. But this is the first time in the history of the college that one of its students came home a winner at such a national level.

Not too bad for a rookie. Jay became involved in the sport just over two years ago when he first came to HCC. After owning his own business for two years, he decided he needed a change and came to HCC to pursue something he’s always been interested in, forestry.

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