The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point soil judging team earned a strong fourth-place finish out of nine universities at the Region III Collegiate Soil Judging Contest, held October 20–23 in Bad Axe, Michigan. The event was hosted by Michigan State University. With this result, UW–Stevens Point qualified to compete at the National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest in March at North Carolina State University.
The regional competition brought together teams from Purdue University, UW–Platteville, Michigan State University, the University of Illinois, Ohio State University, Grand Valley State University, UW–Madison and Southern Illinois University.
In individual results, Elliot Nimmer tied for seventh place, Will Watry placed eighth, Mary Chesnut finished 12th, Nora Hunt 17th, Erin Tschida 19th, Ronny Ruedinger 30th, Jacob Kuhnke 33rd and Nick Eidenschink 54th out of 62 competitors.
The UW–Stevens Point team included Nick Eidenschink, Austin Kahl, Hannah Rumney, Jacob Kuhnke, Justin Konopacki, Nora Hunt, Ronny Ruedinger, Elliot Nimmer, Ryan Winter, Erin Tschida, Miley Sickels, Mary Chesnut, Will Watry, Sydney Recker, Sam Watson, Maya Muth, Benjamin Puuri, Gabe Bowman, Abby Leis, Lydia Kunkel, Rachel Boehlke and Gabby Barca.
The team is advised by Bryant Scharenbroch, associate professor of soil and waste resources.
Collegiate soil judging competitions challenge students to apply their scientific knowledge outside the classroom. Over several days, participants evaluate real soil pits in the field, describing and classifying soil horizons, textures, colors and structures. They also interpret how soils influence land use, water movement and ecosystem health.
The experience provides students with valuable, hands-on training that prepares them for careers in environmental consulting, agriculture, land management and natural resource conservation. Students develop teamwork, problem-solving and analytical skills, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how soils form and function across different landscapes.