Mini Gallery: ESF Timbersports athletes prepare for upcoming meet

Practicing the obstacle pole event, an ESF woodsman wields a bow saw. For obstacle pole, competitors run up a diagonal log, saw off a piece of wood and run down as quickly as possible. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

An ESF woodsman practices the cookie cut event. In cookie cut, the competitor tries to complete as many horizontal slices as possible in a given amount of time — 15-20 cuts is considered impressive. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

An ax hits a throwing target. Ax throwing is one of the few untimed events in timbersports, requiring mental focus under pressure for a perfect bullseye. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

James Dziergas uses a backwards ax to hammer a log into its stanchion. The log will be marked with crayon used for underhand chop, when a competitor cuts two converging wedges. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Kennon Gardner and Dziergas practice fire building, a doubles event. After building a small log cabin fire, they use their breath to keep the flame underneath the can until water inside boils over. Avery Magee | Photo Editor