News

The 30th Annual Rick Russell Woodsmen Competition was held at the MacMillan Show Centre on Saturday, February 7^th, 2015.    With seven universities and colleges represented, 25 teams (14 men's and 11 women's) competed in Canadian Intercollegiate Lumberjacking Association (CILA) core events and one pool event (dry land log burling). 

DAL AC student-athletes competed well.  The Women's A team finished the day in first, climbing from the second place finish they held in the three previous competitions.  The Men's A Team could not catch the veteran UNB team and finished second for the fourth time this year.  The Women's B team finished 8th, while the Men's B team moved up to 5th.  All four teams had personal bests!  



A highlight of the Rick Russell event is the ECHO Challenge.  The top female and male from each CILA member competes in Single Buck, Standing Block Chop and Chain Saw.  This year's female winner of the Challenge was DAL AC's Kayla Graham. In the Challenge, Kayla had two of three firsts to take the title.

The hosting of the Rick Russell event takes a huge amount of planning and work.   Coach Scott Read and event Co-Chairs Breagh Ross and Brad Elliott are to be congratulated on a great event.  Coach Read secured and prepared all the wood and helped guide the hosting process; Breagh and Brad secured sponsorship, registered teams and managed the awards; Scott prepared the site and led the clean-up.

In addition, AC alumni helped with site preparation, provided sponsorship, announced for the day, served as CILA Head Judge and in many cases were event judges and timers.  Present Faculty of Agriculture students also assisted in judging and timing, recording of results, admission and selling t-shirts.

On the alumni side, Marvin Weeks (former woodsmen team member and Woodsmen Coach), Mario Bourque (Woodsmen team member) and Trevor Dillman (former woodsmen team member) were all instrumental in the success of the day as well. In addition, many of the key event judges were former team members.

The event was once again supported well by the campus community and community at large. 

The year's CILA competitions culminate at the Rick Russell competition.  Because of the combined expertise and work ethic of all involved it continues to be the jewel in the CILA crown of competitions.  Thanks to all who participated and contributed to the success of the day!