Stihl has announced the official kickoff of the 2014 Stihl Timbersports Series, presented by Ram Trucks. The Stihl Timbersports Series pits the top lumberjack athletes from across the country in thrilling and grueling wood chopping, cutting and sawing competitions. Some details surrounding this year’s event were recently shared.
Norfolk Scope Arena
This year the U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championship will be held at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA, from June 20 to 22. This is the first time in the Stihl Timbersports Series history that the U.S. Pro and Collegiate athletes will fight for top honors at the Norfolk Scope Arena. The facility is one of the premier venues on the East Coast.
“The Stihl Timbersports Series U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championships coming to the Norfolk Scope Arena is a big win for us and our community,” said John Rhamstine, director, Scope Arena. “The Series is well respected, and viewed by millions all over the world. We’re happy we can bring this exciting event to Norfolk.”
A return to ABC
For the first time in nearly two decades, the competition will air nationally on ABC in September. The last time the series aired on ABC was on ABC’s Wide World of Sports nearly 20 years ago. As the second longest running show on the ESPN Networks, the Stihl Timbersports Series is seen by millions of viewers worldwide each year.
“We are very proud and excited to announce that the Stihl Timbersports will return to ABC this year,” said Brad Sorgen, executive producer of the Stihl Timbersports Series. “The Series gets better each season. With a talented roster of athletes, an exciting lineup of sponsors, and the high production quality of the Norfolk Scope Arena, we are enthusiastic about this year’s event. Of course, we always look forward to opportunities to host the Series in Hampton Roads, our own backyard.”
Athletes chosen
Selection for the Series took place earlier this year. Lumberjack athletes will qualify for the championship by competing in one of eight collegiate and professional qualifiers.
Athletes compete in six professional lumberjack disciplines; the hot saw, single buck, springboard chop, standing block chop, stock saw and underhand chop. This season features notable returning lumberjacks and fan favorites, including the renowned lumberjack Cogar family. Stihl Timbersports Series Pro Champion Matthew Cogar will defend his title, and will have to face his cousins Arden and Scooter, Jr., as well as his father Paul. Other returning athletes include David Moses, Mel Lentz, Mike Forester, and many more.
“It’s an honor and a privilege for my family and me to compete in the Stihl Timbersports Series, and we’re in awe that we’ll get to showcase our talents on ABC this year,” said Matthew Cogar, current and youngest U.S. Champion in Series history. “We love that our sport continues to gain popularity. This year should be the most exciting one yet.”
The Duluth Trading Company, Georgia Boot and John Deere have signed on as 2014 sponsors, joining returning presenting sponsor Ram Trucks.
Fans can purchase tickets for the U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championships at the Scope Arena Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-745-3000.
