What It's Like To Be A Logging Sports Athlete
One of the most unique aspects of the Finger Lakes Community College Athletics Department is the Lakers’ logging sports program. FLCC is one of a select few colleges that boast a logging sports program. Many of the student-athletes that participate in logging sports were involved in athletics when they were in high school. They have the drive to compete, and a desire to learn other skills they normally wouldn’t have obtained if they went to another school. Head coach Ryan Staychock does a fantastic job recruiting his student-athletes by doing demonstrations at local schools, in the community, and even at FLCC’s orientation. The impact made on logging sports’ student-athletes is incredible.
What does FLCC’s logging sports program look like? There is a men’s team, a women’s team, and a combined men’s and women’s team called “Jack-and-Jill.” Each team features six members. In the Jack-and-Jill team, there are three men and three women. There are four types of events: singles, doubles, triples, and team. Each team member must participate in all team events, and one each of the other three events. These student-athletes use dangerous equipment like chainsaws and axes when they compete, so they are all taught the proper procedure and usage before participating.
Singles events are the pole climb, single buck, axe throw, bow saw, pulp throw, canoeing, chainsaw, birling, chain throw, firewood split, and fly casting. Doubles events are canoeing, horizontal chop, vertical chop, crosscut to death, fire build, and scoot load. Triples events are quarter split and horizontal chop. Team events are crosscut, log roll, pulp toss, bow saw, and packboard relay. Each of these events requires a lot of knowledge, skill, and teamwork to be successful. Each event where points are earned is scored differently. The winner of the logging meets is the team that wins the most points.
Just like other sports need their own areas for practice and competition, logging sports needs competition and practice space, utilizing the Marty Dodge Woodsmen Field. This field is in a great spot to spark interest from FLCC students, on the main walking route to FLCC from the on-campus housing. Walking by the field is how many student-athletes say they became interested in joining the program.
Team member Calum Ruxton’s story of how he joined starts with an interest in the program, but a hesitation to join due to lack of interest from his friends, and concerns about academic adjustment.
“My whole first academic year, I would walk by the field to and from class and in the evenings, I would often see the team putting in work and enjoying themselves,” said Ruxton. “I pondered if I was making a mistake missing out, especially when other friends suggested I’d be a great fit.”
In his return to campus the following fall, Ruxton decided he was going to join, crediting coach Staychock with being super enthusiastic in welcoming him to the program.
“I urge anyone who will read this, with even an inkling of interest in granting your time and dedication to this team, give it a shot,” said Ruxton. “I promise whether you stay with us, or decide it’s not for you, the experience offered is one to be remembered fondly from your time here at FLCC.”
Logging sports has had a huge impact on Emily Dobbs, who started out at FLCC going through some hard times personally. She was looking for an outlet for all of the built-up anger and stress.
“I started to build more muscle, lose weight, and feel really good about myself,” said Dobbs. “People noticed that I was a lot happier, and it made me feel good to see that people noticed that I was changing.”
In her second year on the team, she really started to show improvement. She was a part of the Jack and Jill team that won the Northeast Championship in 2019.
Team member Michaela Johnstone was another student who knew very little
about logging sports, and was hesitant to join as she was entering her freshman year.
“I was immediately interested when I heard about it, but couldn’t bring myself to join the team with already juggling a full credit load, and a part-time job,” said Johnstone. “I finally decided to join the team and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
She was also an athlete in high school, but felt she didn’t quite fit in. She was welcomed into the logging sports family with tons of support.
“Logging sports has also allowed me to become passionate about something extremely interesting while trying things I never thought I would,” stated Johnstone. “I’ve made life long friends who are basically family, and I’m learning some of the most important life lessons in a very comfortable, yet nontraditional way.”
College wasn’t something team member Kevin Roelle was really interested in. He found out FLCC had a graphic design major, and decided to attend an open house. While there, he noticed the Marty Dodge Woodsmen field. He asked his tour guide about it, and was hooked from there.
“I literally couldn’t get over it,” said Roelle. “I knew I wanted to join as soon as I could.”
He was especially intrigued by underhand and vertical chopping. He practiced hard to be able to compete in the spring. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 situation, he won’t get that chance this year.
“I have never had been on a sports team where everyone motivates everyone, and tries their hardest to help the team win,” stated Roelle. “This is literally the best sport that I have ever joined in my life, and always will be.”
With the cancellation of all spring seasons, the logging sports sophomores who are graduating in May will not be able to finish out their final season as a Laker. To those student-athletes, the FLCC athletic department wants to recognize and thank you for your hard work and dedication.
For more in-depth information about logging sports, please visit: https://flccathletics.com/sports/wood/index