Agricultural Technology Landscape and Turf students participated in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) at Michigan State University, gaining valuable hands-on experience while representing Virginia Tech on the national stage.

Second-year AT students Blake Bolter, Alex Micheo, Logan Moon, and Andrew Rice were joined by first-year students Alex Grasser and Anthony Liberatore as part of this year's Virginia Tech NCLC team.

Photo of students, Logan Moon and Alex Micheo, at the NCLC Career Fair
Photo of students, Logan Moon and Alex Micheo, at the NCLC Career Fair

The trip was largely smooth sailing, with a stop at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio. While the outdoor gardens had not yet revealed their spring beauty, students enjoyed a fascinating butterfly exhibit inside the conservatory. Michigan State University also proved to be an outstanding host. Senior Instructor Tom Martin, Assistant Director of the Agricultural Technology Landscape and Turf Management Option, offered a special shoutout to Marcus Duck of MSU for his hard work organizing the event.

The return trip presented one unexpected challenge: a tire blowout on the bus. As Martin noted, “Three hours on the side of the highway might have put a bit of a damper on everyone’s mood!”

The team also expressed appreciation for the donors whose generous support helps make this opportunity possible for students. Supporters include JW Townsend Landscape, Heritage Landscape Services, Southern Landscape Group, James River Nurseries, Hidden Lane, Davey Tree, Grelen Nursery, Inc., Saunders Brothers Nursery, Ruppert Landscape Inc., Kane Landscapes, and SiteOne Landscape Supply.

“Without their support, this opportunity would not be possible,” Martin said. “Thank you!”

Each Virginia Tech student represented both their program and the university well, with special recognition given to those who stepped into competition events late in the process after other students had to withdraw from the trip.

Alex Micheo and Drew Williams working on hardscape during the competition.

Alex Micheo and Drew Williams working on hardscape during the competition.

Overall, Virginia Tech placed 12th out of 54 schools, a result that reflects the students’ dedication not only to the competition, but also to their future careers in the industry. As Martin noted, “We know our students will make excellent representatives of AT and VT when they begin their careers.”

The team is already looking ahead to next year’s competition in Cleveland, where Cuyahoga Community College will host students from across the country.