MSU’s Horticulture Club took home the silver medal, and a horticulture senior took top honors last week at the Landscape Olympics.
The competition is part of the Professional Landcare Network Student Career Days. The four-day event consisted of educational workshops, a career fair and 28 competitive.
This year, nearly 800 students representing 65 colleges and universities from across the U.S. and Canada competed in the event.
MSU students placed in the top 15 in more than 25 individual events. Club members also beat competitors from several other Big Ten schools including Penn State, Ohio State, Illinois and Purdue.
“Our success is due to our undergraduate curriculum, faculty willing to invest the time and energy, and students willing to make the sacrifice of the time it takes to compete,” said Brad Rowe, co-head coach and professor in the horticulture department.
Horticulture senior Zach Van Dyke placed first overall by scoring the most individual points among the 800 competitors. Although Zach said he loves the competition, he also values the educational and professional opportunities the event presents.