Panola College’s first oilmen’s clay shoot a success

Prairie Creek Sporting Club was the location of Panola College’s first annual Oilmen’s Clay Shoot.   A total of 228 shooters making up 46 teams participated in the event which netted over $21,000 for the PC Petroleum Technology program.

Dr. Joe Shannon, Dean of Instruction at Panola College, stated, “the Oilmen’s Clay Shoot was a great success.  This was a great opportunity for Panola College to meet and discuss our Petroleum Technology program and have fun out in the environment.  Panola College is gearing up for its role in a business venture that could pump millions of dollars into the state’s economy. We are pleased to begin offering the Associate of Applied Science Degree beginning in the Fall Semester 2007.   Classes will be scheduled on the main campus in Carthage and at the Shelby Regional Training Center in Center, Texas.”

“Everyone had a great time, even though the humidity and temperatures were high. We had many volunteers at the shoot who gave part or all of their Saturday to help raise funds for the College.  I am grateful to all who participated,” said Dr. Lillian Cook, Vice President of Panola College.

Petroleum Technology is a new program at Panola College, which encompasses many facets of learning.  Students are taught safety and soft skills, such as communication and technical writing, as well as hydraulics, natural gas compression, electrical wiring, basic programmable controller work, and several other courses.  In addition, the students participate in internships with area oil and service companies.

“Students who complete the certificates or degree in petroleum technology will be able to find employment in the East Texas area when they complete their coursework.  The internships help enable the students to be job ready,” stated Dr. Shannon.

Sponsors of the clay shoot included Gold Sponsors:  Universal Compression and Glassell Producing Company.  Silver Sponsors included Devon Energy and Valerus Compression.  Bronze Sponsors included Black Warrior Wireline, BJ Services, Blocke Consulting, CC Forbes Company, L.P., Champion Technologies, Dransco, Inc., Flint Energy Services, Inc., Halliburton, J-W Power Company, Kent & Associates, Inc., Kirvard, Inc., Pinnergy, Ltd., Socagee Services, Inc., Samson Lonestar, L.P., Smith Bits, Sodexho, Tetra Technologies, Torqued-up Oilfield Production Services, L.P., TSWS, L.L.C., United Vessel & Tank, Inc., Weatherford Wireline, Weatherford US, L.P., Treating Technologies, Childers Operating.

Other supporters contributing were The Made-Rite Company, Anderson Tractor Sales, Mustang Gas Compression, Ltd., Professional Wireline Rentals, L.L.C., Farmers State Bank, Wilson Supply, Baker Hughes, BP America, Inc., H&S Valve, St. Mary Land & Exploration Company, and EFC Valve & Controls.

Mr. Gary Hughes, Division Director of Applied Studies, said, “The positive collaboration with representatives of the oil and gas industry is creating a synergy that should lead to significant economic growth for the area. The College is proud to be part of an endeavor that will have tremendous benefits for the citizens of East Texas.” 

Students are now being accepted into the Petroleum Technology program at the main campus in Carthage and the Shelby Regional Training Center in Center, Texas.  Due to high interest in the program, space is limited.  To learn more about either program location contact 936-591-9075 and ask for Dr. Joe Shannon, Dean of Instruction or Mr. Gary Hughes, Division Director of Applied Studies at 903-693-4650.