Local lumberjack competitors inducted into hall of fame |
Local lumberjack competitors Andy and Erica Schreiner were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Finger Lakes Community College, located in Canandaigua, May 7. The husband and wife, who live in Granby, are both graduates of the community college and participated on the Woodsmen’s Team. Instead of trying out for the soccer or track team, they chose to check out the Woodsmen’s Team, where they learned how to use cross cut saws, chainsaws, throwing axes, and wood chopping axes. Mrs. Schreiner earned an associate’s degree in pre-environmental science and forestry at Finger Lakes Community College in 1991 and transferred to Rutgers University where she received a bachelor of science degree in natural resources management in 1993. Schreiner attended Finger Lakes Community College from 1992 through 1994 and after completing course work at Onondaga Community College, earned an A.A.S. degree in electrical technology in 2001. “The first inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame occurred in 1991,” said a college spokseperson. “Induction recognizes alumni athletes who serve as role models for current student athletes.” After leaving Finger Lakes Community College, the couple took up professional lumberjack competitions as a hobby, and although they attended Finger Lakes Community College at different times, they ended up meeting through a mutual friend. Together, they travel to fairs and festivals in the northeast and Canada to compete in cross cut sawing, axe throwing, wood chopping, and chainsawing events. They attend 20 to 30 competitions annually; the season typically runs from April through October. In the jack and jill cross cut, an event where a man and woman team run a cross cut saw through a block of wood, the Schreiners currently hold five world records. They have been sawing as a team since 1993, and 15 years later, still consistently place in the top five for this event. Schreiner also holds four world records in the two man cross cut and one world record in the bow saw. For 11 years, the couple has been sponsored by Wood-Mizer Northeast, a portable saw mill company located in Hannibal. Sponsorship aids them with entry fees, travel expenses, and equipment costs. A competition cross cut saw can be purchased for $1,500 and a competition wood chopping axe for $400. At 35 and 36 years old, respectively, the two have no immediate thoughts of retiring from the sport that has become a staple in their lives. “Lumberjacking doesn’t necessarily favor the twenty-something competitor and there’s no specific peak age,” said Mrs. Schreiner. “In addition to being age friendly, it’s a great way to stay in shape and we enjoy traveling and seeing new places. One of this summer’s highlights will be a trip to Indianapolis to be part of a lumberjack event demonstration put on by Wood-Mizer sponsored athletes.” As this is just a hobby, the Schreiner’s both work full time during the week. They have a sawing stand in the garage and a practice area in their woods where they train in the various lumberjack events. |