FVCC winning team hosts logger sports meet

Flathead Valley Community College’s national champion logger sports team will host its annual Stumpjumper Days home competition at the college’s Logger Sports Arena on Saturday, April 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

In keeping with the rich history of forestry and logging and to keep traditions alive, participants compete for the Bull of the Woods, Belle of the Woods and Top Team awards. FVCC has hosted the annual competition since 1972, with the exception of 2006, when the new logger sports arena was under construction.

The local team has seen a wave of success since it started competing nationally in 1984, taking home 14 first-place wins from the Association of Western Forestry Clubs Conclave. The largest logger sports event in the Northwest, the event includes all logging teams west of the Mississippi River.

FVCC is the only team to win four consecutive Conclave championships — 1988 through 1991 — and the only team to capture the Conclave title five years in a row — 1996 through 2000.

Last March, 14 colleges and universities competed in the 73rd annual Conclave, including big name forestry schools such as Oregon State University, Humboldt State University, Cal Poly, Northern Arizona University, University of Montana and Colorado State University. FVCC was one of only three two-year colleges to compete.

A record 183 athletes competed in the three-day competition. Continuing the team’s long history of success, FVCC took first place, outscoring the second-place team by 116 points. Sixteen of the 20 competitors from FVCC placed in an event. This year, the Conclave will take place at the University of Montana on April 23-27.

Head coaches Annie and Bob Beall say they are most proud of the team capturing the Conclave’s Top Sportsmanship Award.

“Our focus has always been on sportsmanship and teamwork,” Annie said. “If you’re willing to show up and put in the time and the work, we don’t care if you take last every single time — you’re a valued part of the team.”

This year’s Stumpjumper Days competition will attract students from four northwest colleges and universities, including the University of Montana, University of Idaho, Spokane Community College and FVCC. Participants will compete in axe throw, horizontal hard hit chop, obstacle pole buck, single buck, bonzaii logger and other events.

For more information, visit online at www.fvcc.edu/loggersports.html.