Merriam-Webster defines a Biltmore Stick as: a graduated rule used by timber estimators in determining tree diameters.

Hocking College additionally defines the Biltmore Stick as: a player on a Hocking College intramural softball team.

You may be asking yourself what these two things have in common. One possible answer is Dennis Profant. In addition to his life studying and teaching plants, birds and bugs, or immersing himself in the world of jazz through playing his trumpet or running a radio station, Dennis was a Biltmore Stick.

The Biltmore Sticks were originally founded in 1989 as a group of forestry students and natural resources faculty. Dennis and Ned "Grizz" Maxson recruited, coached, and led the team until Grizz's retirement a few years ago. Under their direction, the Biltmore Sticks experienced a great deal of prosperity winning many intramural softball championship titles. Dennis played his last game with the Biltmore Sticks two years ago, going out as a champion once again.

Still being an instructor in the natural resources department, Dennis continued to recruit players for the Biltmore Sticks. Since his passing, there has been an underlying feeling among these men and women that this team was destined to win the championship for Dennis. From the silly inside jokes that were shared only on the ball field to the style of play, his presence was intensely felt throughout the season.

While Dennis' physical presence will no longer be on the field of play, his legacy will carry on through many teammates from the Biltmore Sticks dynasty. Dennis' bat has now been signed by the 2015 Champions and will be framed and proudly displayed here at Hocking College as a testament to the lives he touched. We are better because of you Dennis! Go Sticks!