The UT SOIL VOLS were in South Carolina, October 16^th – 20^th competing at the 2022 Southeast Regional Collegiate Soils Contest, hosted by Clemson University.  With a team which had no previous competition experience hampered by cancelled contests from spring 2020 through spring 2021 and hosting duties after that, the students were thrilled with a 4^th place finish (out of 12 schools) earning them a trip to the National Collegiate Soils Contest, next spring!  In addition, one student ESS, Will Hatcher, finished 4^th individually overall, a significant accomplishment! In Clemson, the SOIL VOLS not only faced their inexperience head-on but also a cold snap dropping temperatures into the 30’s.  It feels quite unnatural to intentionally spray your hands with water outdoors in near freezing temperatures, but the students pushed through to familiarize themselves with the soil textures of the area which are quite different from our soils here in East TN.  The hard-work and dedication obviously paid off, and the students couldn’t be more excited to attend their first National Contest which will be hosted by Oklahoma State University, likely in April 2023.  Once again weather will likely be a challenge, as will an assortment of soils in Oklahoma unfamiliar to the team.  Ever eager, the students are all ready to start to learn more about the Mollisols they expect to see next spring!