Stihl reveals details for 2014 Stihl Timbersports Series

Stihl Inc. officially kicked off 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. This year, the U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championship will be held at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va., June 20-22, and, for the first time in nearly two decades, the competition will air nationally on ABC in September.

Since 1985, the Stihl Timbersports Series’ popularity has grown rapidly both nationally and abroad, and ABC will allow even more fans to experience the chip-flying and saw-turning action. 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 Series 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.”

This is the first time in the 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 and is perfect for showcasing one of the most exciting sporting events in the country.

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. For the full season schedule, visit STIHLUSA.com/STIHL-TIMBERSPORTS/Schedules/.

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. For the full list of this season’s competitors, visit STIHLUSA.com/STIHL-TIMBERSPORTS/Athletes/.

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 (800) 745-3000. For news, videos and the latest information around the Series, visit the Stihl Timbersports website. Fans can also follow the Series through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.